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Phlox subulata 'Snowflake' (Snowflake Creeping Phlox)
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© Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Perennials

Phlox subulata 'Snowflake'

Snowflake Creeping Phlox

Polemoniaceae
Garden selection; species native to eastern North America

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 9
Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantFragrant (light)Container Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Phlox subulata 'Snowflake' is a pure white creeping moss phlox, forming a mat 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Pure white five-petaled flowers 0.75 inch (2 cm) across without an eye marking or color tint cover the mat in April and May, creating the effect of late snow on the ground. The clean unmarked white separates 'Snowflake' from other white-flowered creeping phlox cultivars that carry a pink eye. The pure white brightens plantings and gives a neutral companion for colored creeping phlox varieties. Dark green needle-like evergreen foliage year-round. Same cultural needs as all P. subulata: full sun, lean well-drained soil, sheared after bloom. The white flowers show up clearly against dark green foliage or dark stone backgrounds. Cascades over walls. Deer avoid the foliage. Light fragrance.

Native Range

The species Phlox subulata is native to eastern North America. 'Snowflake' is a garden selection for pure white flower color.

Suggested Uses

Used cascading over walls, in rock gardens, and as an evergreen ground cover. The pure white gives a neutral base for mixed-color phlox carpets and creates a snow-like spring effect on walls and slopes.

How to Identify

Identified by pure white five-petaled flowers without an eye marking on a low mat of dark green needle-like evergreen foliage. The unmarked pure white separates 'Snowflake' from white-flowered cultivars that carry a pink eye.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Flowering in April and May, approximately 3 weeks. Pure white flowers cover the mat.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pure white; five-petaled; no eye marking

Foliage Description

Dark green; needle-like; dense; evergreen

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
sandloam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Sited in full sun. Lean well-drained soil. Fertilization is not used. Watered sparingly. Sheared lightly after bloom.

Pruning

Sheared lightly after bloom.

Pruning Schedule

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summer

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic