Aubrieta 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.
Aubrieta × cultorum 15 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
A low, evergreen, grey-green cushion plant for rock gardens that flowers so heavily in spring that the leaves almost disappear: good on top of…
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…
Aubrieta grows larger: 15 cm × 60 cm after ten years, against 10 cm × 40 cm for Tufted phlox.
Aubrieta is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -29 °C for Tufted phlox.
Tufted phlox is cheaper: about €3.90 at the size usually planted, against about €5 for Aubrieta.
|
Feature
|
Aubrieta
|
Tufted phlox
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 15 cm × 60 cm | 10 cm × 40 cm |
| Ultimate size | 5–15 cm × 30–60 cm | 5–15 cm × 25–50 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Calcareous, Sandy, Average garden soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | April–June, purple, blue, pink, red, white | April–June, pink, purple, red, white |
| Water need | Low | Low |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 30 cm | 25 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | no data | Non-toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €5 | approx. €3.90 |
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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