How big does Moss phlox grow?

About 15 cm × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 10–15 cm × 60–90 cm.

What soil does Moss phlox grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Moss phlox toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is Moss phlox toxic to cats?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to cats.

When does Moss phlox flower?

Flowering: April–May, pink, purple, white, red, blue.

How much water does Moss phlox need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: medium.

Moss phlox

Phlox subulata

Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is a ground cover plant that reaches 15 cm × 90 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €4.70.

Illustration of Moss phlox — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 gardens, wall tops and bed edges, and does best in sun and free-draining soil. Cut the stems back by about half after flowering to keep the mat dense and stop it going bare in the middle.

Watch out for

Spider mites can attack it in hot, dry summers, and it tends to rot in heavy, waterlogged soil. Older mats thin out in the centre if they are not cut back after flowering.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 15 cm × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, pink, purple, white, red, blue

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	15 cm × 90 cm
Ultimate size	10–15 cm × 60–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	April–May, pink, purple, white, red, blue
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	35 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.70

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.70

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Plants that are non-toxic to dogs Plants that are non-toxic to cats Plants for containers Plants for a Mediterranean garden Fragrant plants

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