The so-called cushion phlox is a special type of phlox. We show what you should consider when planting and caring for Phlox douglasii.
"Small, but mighty" is the saying. This probably also applies to the cushion phlox (Phlox douglasii), which transforms many an ugly corner into a sea of blossoms. It is the little relative among the phloxes.
Phlox douglasii
The cushion phlox is particularly noticeable because of its creeping shape and the many flowers that form a flowering cushion close together. It comes from the sparse forests and dry hillsides of North America.
Phlox douglasii: characteristics and peculiarities
The cushion phlox is an early bloomer. Its flowers often attract numerous butterflies from March to May. However, its outstanding feature is the creeping growth habit: the cushion phlox forms, as the name suggests, large cushions that can grow up to 20 centimeters high. It also copes quite well with drought and impresses with its good resistance to powdery mildew. When combined, this North American species makes a wonderful companion in rock gardens and wall crevices.
Fortunately, the plant is even a perennial and survives the winter without further protection. Phlox douglasii retains its green foliage throughout winter, making for a year-round delight that stays beautiful even in winter.
Phlox douglasii varieties
The following varieties of cushion phlox are particularly popular and may soon be decorating your garden. From the most eye-catching strains to the more understated specimens, here are our favourites.
Popular Phlox douglasii Varieties:
- ‘Bavaria’: The ‘Bavaria’ variety flowers in white. But what is the second color in the Bavarian coat of arms? Correct: blue. And so the inner eye of the flowers is framed by pretty, deep blue dots. 'Bavaria' flowers in May and June and is evergreen. Their only drawback is the lack of fragrance.
- 'Candy Stripes': Particularly eye-catchingcomes the variety 'Candy Stripes'. Its petals are white in the basic tone, but are covered with light pink stripes. Towards the middle, the flowers are decorated with striking dark pink dots - an absolute eye-catcher.
- 'Emerald Cushion Blue': This variety tends to be a bit more inconspicuous. With its light blue flowers, it does not push itself directly into the foreground. But it is very robust and is even suitable as a ground cover.
- 'White Delight': 'White Delight' shines in almost pure white. The variety is a nice bee pasture and fortunately is ignored by snails. It opens its flowers from April to May.
- ‘Scarlet Flame’: The flower of the ‘Scarlet Flame’ variety shines bright pink. Towards the middle, the intense pink turns into a bright red. The flowering period is April and May.
Plant Phlox douglasii
Phlox douglasii prefers a sunny spot. It does not need it as moist as the tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) and even copes well with drought. However, it is important that the soil is well drained. He particularly likes sandy or rocky soils. It is therefore ideal for rock gardens, on walls or in sunny corners. The pads it forms flow down edges up to 30 centimeters.
Which location is suitable for Phlox douglasii?
- Warm and sunny
- Sandy or rocky
- Suitable as ground cover, in rock gardens, on walls
We have put together everything you need to know about planting phlox here.
Caring for Phlox douglasii: You should pay attention to this
Fortunately, the cushion phlox is relatively hardy. It is significantly less susceptible to powdery mildew than the tall perennial phlox. It is also more drought tolerant, making it relatively easy to care for. After flowering, you can prune to encourage compact growth.
Other than that, the same care rules apply as for the other phlox species. You can read more about this in our article on phlox care.