Moss phlox and Tufted phlox are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, flowers, pollinator friendly, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Phlox subulata 15 cm × 90 cm after 10 years
A low, cushion-forming ground cover perennial that covers itself in flowers in late April and May, so the foliage almost disappears. It suits rock…
Phlox douglasii 10 cm × 40 cm after 10 years
A dwarf phlox that forms a tight evergreen cushion of needle-like leaves, completely hidden in spring under small pink, purple, red or white…
Moss phlox grows larger: 15 cm × 90 cm after ten years, against 10 cm × 40 cm for Tufted phlox.
Moss phlox is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -29 °C for Tufted phlox.
|
Feature
|
Moss phlox
|
Tufted phlox
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 15 cm × 90 cm | 10 cm × 40 cm |
| Ultimate size | 10–15 cm × 60–90 cm | 5–15 cm × 25–50 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | April–May, pink, purple, white, red, blue | April–June, pink, purple, red, white |
| Water need | Low | Low |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 35 cm | 25 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Non-toxic | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | no data | Non-toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €4.70 | approx. €5 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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