The cushion phlox is a garden beauty native to America. The plant thrives in Central European gardens when the site conditions are right. As an easy-care perennial, the cushion phlox is very popular in beds. It is also popular as a container plant.

The cushion phlox is a frugal ground cover

Table of Contents

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  1. origin
  2. growth
  3. blossom
  4. leaves
  5. use
  6. Edible
  7. Which location is suitable?
  8. What soil does the plant need?
  9. Propagating cushion phlox
  10. sowing
  11. cuttings
  12. What is the best planting time?
  13. The right planting distance
  14. Upholstery phlox in a pot
  15. balcony
  16. Water cushion phlox
  17. Cut cushion phlox correctly
  18. Fertilize cushion phlox properly
  19. hardy
  20. How do I plant correctly?
  21. pests
  22. fungus
  23. Cushion phlox does not bloom
  24. sorts

    25. origin

    The cushion phlox, which is also called carpet phlox because of its growth habit, bears the Latin name Phlox subulata. The species belongs to the genus of phloxes within the mesquite family. It is native to the Northeast of the United States, where it grows on sandy soils along forest edges and on fallow land. In Central Europe, the cushion phlox is a popular ornamental plant in parks and gardens.

    growth

    Phlox subulata grows as a herbaceous plant, covering the ground with dense cushions. The single shoots grow creeping or ascending and form numerous branches. The cushion phlox reaches heights of growth between five and 20 centimeters. It develops a fine root network consisting of fine roots. They reach up to 60 centimeters into the substrate. The plants propagate via underground runners.

    blossom

    From March, the plants develop flowers in the shape of a peduncle, the lower part of the petals of which are fused into a tube. The corolla lobes are spread out flat and slightly incised at the edge. The flowers are terminal and about 2.5 centimeters in size.

    Phox subulata develops pink flowers, the center of which is colored purple. The numerous cultivated forms shine in a wide variety of color nuances from white to pink and red to blue. Some cultivars develop multicolored flowers with a contrastingly colored flower eye. They attract wild bees and butterflies to feed on the sweet nectar. The flowering period lasts until June.

    leaves

    Phlox subulata is an evergreen plant. Its leaves are very narrow to needle-shaped and have a smooth leaf edge. The surface is softly hairy. The leaves are in opposite arrangement on the stem. They appear green all year round and cover the ground like a carpet. In winter the foliage is a little looser than during the growth phase in summer.

    use

    The cushion-shaped perennial decorates rocky crevices in rock gardens and joints on wall crests. Due to its demands on the location, the herbaceous plant is suitable for beautifying dry stone walls. As an ornamental plant for the edge of the bed, the cushion phlox has not only aesthetic but also functional purposes. It visually delimits perennial plantings and flower beds and creates a magnificent picture on terrace slopes. The upholstered phlox sets color accents between floor panels or on steps.

    These are suitable plant partners:

    • Speedwell (Veronica prostrata)
    • Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
    • Alyssum
    • Blue Cushion (Aubrieta)
    • Cushion Bellflower (Campanula)

    Phlox subulata can be planted as a dominant perennial in the bed or as an underplanting for trees and shrubs. The varieties are suitable for decorating troughs and flower pots. They adorn house entrances and can be used as grave decorations.

    Edible

    The fresh flowers of the cushion phlox are a real delicacy. They taste sweet and sweeten not only desserts but also refreshing appetizers. The petals refine salads or herb butter. They can be used for colorful flower ice cubes or ice cream. Pluck off individual flowers in spring. Flavor is fully developed during the main flowering period. To keep your plant attractive, avoid picking too many flower heads.

    Which location is suitable?

    The carpet phlox prefers a location with full sun exposure. This is where its blooms come into their own. The perennial can be planted in semi-shade, although the lack of light will weaken the flowers.
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    What soil does the plant need?

    Fresh soil with a loamy or clayey substrate that has a high proportion of sand or gravel is ideal. The cushion phlox likes moderately nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 5.7 and 7.5. It finds optimal growth conditions on soil with a humus-rich top layer.

    Demands of the cushion phlox:

    • does not like saline or oxygen-poor soils
    • temporarily tolerates dry substrate and lime
    • suitable for city climate

    Propagating cushion phlox

    The cushion phlox reproduces via root runners and often forms large stocks in suitable locations. If the carpet of plants spreads uncontrollably, you can divide the stock. The ideal time for this measure is spring, just before or during the budding. You can also divide the plant in late autumn when winter is not yet around the corner.

    Dig up the root ball and break it up into small pieces. Plant the divided root balls immediately so that the fine roots do not dry out.
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    sowing

    Propagation via seeds is possible. You can pick the fruit of the cushion phlox after ripening. Since the seeds only sprout after a cold stimulus, you should sow them outdoors before winter. Preparing indoors at temperatures between 16 and 18 degrees is possible. These plants are sensitive to frost in the first year and should only be planted outdoors from the second year.

    Since Phlox subulata is perennial, the species is mainly propagated by division or cuttings. Cultivation takes place in related Phlox species that grow annually. A seed propagation has the disadvantage that the next generation is not always true to the variety. The offspring combine traits from two parent plants and can develop different flower colors.

    cuttings

    You can take cuttings from the cushion phlox between May and July. The shoot tips should be about five centimeters long and have at least three pairs of leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and place the shoot in a planter filled with potting soil or directly outdoors in a shady spot. Keep the substrate moderately moist for the next few weeks. As soon as fresh leaves develop on the cuttings, they can be transplanted.

    What is the best planting time?

    Early spring is the best time to plant cushion phlox in the garden. The perennials then have enough time to grow well until winter. Regular watering after planting promotes root formation.
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    The right planting distance

    Young plants can be assembled in small tuffs. Up to ten plants can be accommodated in one square meter. The planting distance should be about 30 centimeters so that the cushion phlox creates a dense carpet with its neighboring plants within a short time. You can also plant the cushion phlox as a solitaire.

    Upholstery phlox in a pot

    The cushion phlox cuts an equally good figure in the bucket as outdoors. Use a large pot to allow the roots to spread and branch freely. The planter should have a drainage hole so that water does not accumulate. A drainage made of gravel, expanded clay (€19.73) or shards of clay on the bottom of the pot ensures better water drainage.

    balcony

    Because of its low habit, the cushion phlox is ideal for beautifying balconies. The creeping shoots are particularly effective in flower boxes (€16.99). They grow over the edge of the vessel and form an aesthetic curtain of flowers. The varieties feel particularly comfortable on south-facing balconies with direct sunlight. Here the perennials spend several years.

    Water cushion phlox

    Outdoors, the cushion phlox only needs additional watering during long periods of drought. On particularly hot days, you should water the plant in the evening hours as soon as the soil has cooled down a bit.

    If your cushion phlox is growing in very dry locations where water runs off quickly, you should mulch the soil. As a result, the moisture from the subsoil evaporates less quickly and after a while a humus layer forms on the root area, which maintains the water balance.

    Cut cushion phlox correctly

    A carpet phlox does not need regular pruning as its growth remains compact. You can periodically remove withered shoots and inflorescences. This means that the buds that have already been established get more light. Shorten half of all shoot tips immediately after flowering. In this way, the plants can be stimulated to flower a second time.

    perennial pruning

    After a few years, you should rejuvenate the cushion phlox so that the plant grows lush again. It tolerates a radical pruning back to hand height. In the case of early-flowering varieties, this measure is carried out in late autumn or in very early spring. Late-flowering phlox varieties keep their foliage over the winter so that the root system is better protected from the cold. They are trimmed just after winter, between February and March.
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    Fertilize cushion phlox properly

    The nutrient requirements of these perennials are low. Before the flowering period begins, you can give some compost. This measure is also recommended as preparation for the winter. A layer of mulch protects the soil from freezing and ensures that the wintergreen plants get enough moisture even during the frosty months.

    If your plant shows signs of a nutrient deficiency, you should mix in some plant manure made from stinging nettles or rake a handful of horn meal into the soil. If the plant is undersupplied, it lets flowers and leaves hang.

    hardy

    Phlox subulata tolerates temperatures down to -18 degrees Celsius. The plants survive the winter in Central Europe without any problems. They should be watered on frost-free days because they don't slow down their metabolism even during the cold months. In strong sunlight, you should cover the leaves with a layer of brushwood. The material protects against excessive evaporation and prevents the shoots from drying out.

    How do I plant correctly?

    The cushion phlox can be transplanted during the entire growth phase. It will regenerate faster in its new location if you transplant it just before flowering. With this measure, you can divide the root ball and rejuvenate the plant in this way.

    pests

    The cushion phlox is attacked by various pests that feed on leaf matter and plant sap. If the infestation remains undetected for the time being, the pests can weaken your plant to a great extent.

    roundworms

    The cushion phlox is seldom attacked by small stems. The tiny nematodes damage the plant, whose shoots and leaves wither over time. In order to control the pests, a pruning close to the ground is necessary. The plants then need some time to regenerate.

    Since the roundworms overwinter in the substrate, long-term control is difficult. As a preventative measure, you should transplant the infested cushion phlox to a new location and completely shake off the old substrate from the roots. Marigolds decimate the pests. They secrete substances that are poisonous to the nematodes.

    caterpillars

    Occasionally, the perennials are attacked by caterpillars that feed on the leaf mass. They leave mealy secretions on the leaves, flowers and fruits. Collect the caterpillars regularly. Insecticides should be used with caution as they not only kill the pests but beneficial ones as well.

    fungus

    Under the wrong conditions of care, the cushion phlox can be attacked by various fungi. Be careful not to water the plants from above. In the dense stocks, fungal spores find optimal growth conditions. Treating the plant with a fungicide helps against severe fungal infestation.

    powdery mildew

    If you discover a white mealy coating on the leaves, powdery mildew may be an infestation. The fungal spores spread when the weather is nice. They need dry conditions. Affected plant parts should be generously removed so that the fungus does not spread further. Improved ventilation helps to prevent this.

    Wrong mildew

    This fungus causes a whitish or gray coating on the underside of leaves. Its spores spread in cool and humid conditions. Remove the affected areas and dispose of them with household waste. Make sure that air can circulate between the shoots.

    tips

    Create an exciting arrangement with different varieties that creates a firework of colors between spring and summer with constantly new flowers. High-growing phlox varieties and small forest phlox varieties not only beautify the garden, but also decorate romantic bouquets as cut flowers.

    Cushion phlox does not bloom

    If your cushion phlox isn't blooming, you should check it for a pest infestation. Pests on leaves or roots weaken the plant, so that its flowering is weakened. Dig up the plant and remove damaged roots. To prevent nematode infestation, you should completely shake off the substrate from the root ball and place the plant in fresh substrate. Then water the plant to compact the soil.

    If the root ball is too deep in the ground, the plant will also respond in some cases by not flowering. In this case, you should dig up the root ball generously and set it higher so that its surface is flush with the top layer of soil.

    sorts

    • Temiskaming: Blooms between April and May, purple flowers. Grows ten to fifteen centimeters high.
    • BavariaBlue: flowering period from April to May with white, pink or pink flowers, blue-purple eye. Growth height between ten and 15 centimeters.
    • dwarf carpet: Flowering time between April and June, flowers glow dark pink, center red. Grows ten to twenty centimeters high.
    • Candy stripes: petals white with pink stripes, flower-eye reddish. Grows between five and ten centimeters high.
    • Emerald Cushion Blue: Vigorous, robust. Flowers light violet, between April and June. Growth height five to ten centimeters.

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Vegetable garden