Red Wings Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata ‘Red Wings’) is a popular, low-growing perennial known for its vibrant spring blooms. It forms a dense, carpet-like mat, making it a favored groundcover or a striking addition to rock gardens. Its ease of care and visual appeal contribute to its widespread use in landscapes.
Distinctive Features of Red Wings Creeping Phlox
‘Red Wings’ creeping phlox features an intense floral display of pinkish-crimson flowers, each accented with a darker red center. These star-shaped blooms emerge in mid to late spring, often blanketing the plant so thoroughly that the foliage is barely visible. Its small, dark green, needle-like leaves are evergreen, offering year-round interest. Growing as a vigorous, mat-forming perennial, it typically reaches 4 to 6 inches tall and can spread up to 18 to 36 inches wide, creating a broad carpet of color. This hardy variety is recognized for its effective spread and trouble-free nature, including deer and salt tolerance.
Planting and Growing Red Wings Creeping Phlox
Ideal Location and Soil
Red Wings Creeping Phlox thrives in full sun, which promotes abundant blooms and dense growth. While it can tolerate dappled shade, particularly in hotter climates, this plant prefers well-drained soil and performs well in sandy or gravelly conditions. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging. A neutral soil pH is preferred for optimal growth.
Planting Instructions
Space Red Wings Creeping Phlox plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for mature spread and ensure air circulation. Plant at the same depth as it was in its nursery container, ensuring the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Watering Needs
Red Wings Creeping Phlox requires regular watering during its first growing season to establish roots. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and needs less frequent watering. During dry periods, supplemental water maintains vigor and bloom production. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilizing Guidelines
This plant has low nutrient requirements and performs well without heavy fertilization. For young plants, a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content encourages root development during the first growing season. For established plants, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring supports healthy growth and abundant flowering. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to lush foliage and fewer blooms.
Pruning for Health and Vigor
Prune Red Wings Creeping Phlox after its blooming period in late spring to early summer. Shearing the plant back by about one-third after flowering helps maintain a neat form, promotes denser foliage, and can encourage a secondary flush of blooms. This practice also prevents legginess and rejuvenates growth. Regular pruning enhances air circulation, contributing to overall health.
Incorporating Red Wings Creeping Phlox in Your Landscape
Red Wings Creeping Phlox is a versatile plant that enhances various garden designs with its vibrant early-season color. It is an excellent choice for rock gardens, where its mat-forming habit can cascade over stones and fill crevices. On slopes, it serves as an effective groundcover, helping to control erosion. This plant also works well as an edging plant along pathways or in the front of flower borders, creating a defined and colorful boundary. Its dense growth effectively suppresses weeds, reducing garden maintenance.
Addressing Common Growing Challenges
While generally low-maintenance, Red Wings Creeping Phlox can encounter a few common issues. Legginess often results from insufficient sunlight, causing the plant to stretch for light; transplanting it to a sunnier spot can resolve this. Poor flowering can also be a symptom of inadequate sun exposure or a lack of nutrients, which can be addressed by ensuring full sun and light fertilization. Creeping phlox is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but good air circulation is important to prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. Spider mites and aphids can occasionally appear, but regular inspection and prompt action, such as using insecticidal soaps, can manage these pests.