Creeping phlox vs Garden phlox
Creeping phlox is a low mat that flowers in spring; garden phlox is a three-foot border plant that flowers in high summer. Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) has needle-like leaves and is covered in pink, purple or white for about three weeks; it goes on the front edge, on slopes and over walls. Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) has big, scented heads of flower, and wants richer, moister soil and good air to keep mildew off. Both are North American natives.
 Creeping phloxPhlox subulata |  Garden phloxPhlox paniculata | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6 in tall, 24 in wide | 3½ ft tall, 24 in wide |
| Plant | 18 in apart | 24 in apart |
| Zones | 3 to 9 | 4 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun to part sun | Full sun to part sun |
| Soil | Well-drained, average fertility | Evenly moist, rich fertility |
| Flowers | Mid April to mid May; pink, purple, white | Mid July to early September; pink, white, purple |
| Leaves | Fine, semi-evergreen | Medium, herbaceous |
| Job in a bed | Carpet | Drift |
| Pets | No toxicity recorded | No toxicity recorded |
| Deer | Resistant | Not listed as resistant |
| Native | Yes | Yes |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose creeping phlox for colder gardens (to zone 3), warmer gardens (to zone 9), dry summers, deer country and a smaller space (6 in against 3½ ft).
- Choose garden phlox for moist soil, a longer show (8 weeks of flower against 5) and more height (3½ ft against 6 in).
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. What garden phlox brings beside creeping phlox: carries the spot on into early September; tall enough (3½ ft) to stand behind it. They share full sun and part sun and zones 4 to 8.
Read more: all about creeping phlox, and all about garden phlox, each with a bed the planner designed around it.