Moss phlox vs Tufted phlox

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.

Moss phlox

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…

Ground cover

Full sun

Part shade

from about CZK 49

Tufted phlox

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…

Ground cover

Full sun

Part shade

from about CZK 49

Key differences

Moss phlox grows larger: 15 cm × 90 cm after ten years, against 10 cm × 40 cm for Tufted phlox.
Moss phlox is cheaper: about CZK 49 at the size usually planted, against about CZK 110 for Tufted phlox.

Which one to choose?

Moss phlox is the better choice if price matters.

Tufted phlox is the better choice if space is tight.

Watch out for

Moss phlox

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.

Tufted phlox

Most plants are lost to winter wet: in heavy, damp soil the cushion rots from below. In hot, humid summers it can die out in patches and turn brown, and in shadier, airless spots it gets powdery mildew. Phlox eelworm is an occasional problem. Trim it lightly after flowering to keep it dense.

The data side by side

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 (uncertain)
Growth rate	Medium (uncertain)	Medium (uncertain)
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)
Heat tolerance	Medium	Medium (uncertain)
Foliage	Evergreen (uncertain)	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. CZK 49	approx. CZK 110

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 17, 2026

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