Evergreen candytuft vs Moss phlox

Evergreen candytuft and Moss phlox are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, flowers, container, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.

Evergreen candytuft

Iberis sempervirens 25 cm × 45 cm after 10 years

A low, cushion-forming subshrub with dark green, leathery leaves, covered in spring by so many pure white flowers that the foliage almost…

Ground cover

Full sun

Part shade

from about PLN 24

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 PLN 9.90

Key differences

Evergreen candytuft grows taller, Moss phlox spreads wider: 25 cm × 45 cm and 15 cm × 90 cm after ten years.
Moss phlox needs less water than Evergreen candytuft.
Moss phlox is cheaper: about PLN 15 at the size usually planted, against about PLN 24 for Evergreen candytuft.

Which one to choose?

Moss phlox is the better choice if you cannot water regularly or price matters.

Watch out for

Evergreen candytuft

It has no serious pests or diseases. Most losses come from crown rot in wet, poorly drained soil, so on heavy ground plant it in a raised or gritty spot. In snowless, windy, sunny winters the evergreen foliage can scorch and thin out; a light cover of conifer branches helps. It can wilt in summer heat and long dry spells and is grateful for watering then. Slugs, snails and caterpillars may chew it.

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.

The data side by side

Feature	Evergreen candytuft	Moss phlox
Group	Ground cover	Ground cover
Size after 10 years	25 cm × 45 cm	15 cm × 90 cm
Ultimate size	15–30 cm × 15–45 cm	10–15 cm × 60–90 cm
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 -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Heat tolerance	Medium (uncertain)	Medium
Foliage	Evergreen	Evergreen (uncertain)
Flowering	April–May, white	April–May, pink, purple, white, red, blue
Water need	Medium	Low
Drought tolerance	Medium	Medium
Maintenance	Low	Low
Planting distance	30 cm	35 cm
For dogs	no data	Non-toxic
For cats	no data	Non-toxic
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)	no data
Typical price	approx. PLN 24	approx. PLN 15

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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