Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty'
Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox
- Family
- Polemoniaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 in
- Width
- 18 to 24 in
- Flower color
- Rich purple to violet-purple five-petaled bloom forms a flat, star-shaped flower
- Foliage color
- Medium green, narrow needle-like evergreen foliage
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate moisture, well-drained soil preferred
- Maintenance
- Low, shear lightly after flowering to encourage dense growth and maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies
About this plant
Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' produces masses of vibrant purple flowers with deep violet eyes in mid to late spring, creating a colorful carpet that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Narrow, needle-like evergreen leaves form a dense, moss-like mat that provides fine texture and year-round interest. The trailing stems spread steadily to blanket the ground, while the profusion of blooms nearly conceals the foliage during peak flowering, bringing weeks of brilliant seasonal color.
Native to the rocky slopes and open woodlands of the eastern United States, this cultivated selection was chosen for its abundant flowering and dependable evergreen habit. It is well suited to rock gardens, retaining walls, borders, slopes, and edging, where its cascading growth, fine foliage, and vibrant spring blooms provide lasting ornamental appeal.
Works well in
Rock Gardens · Borders · Pollinator Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Thyme · Rockroses · Salvias · Yarrows · Sedums · Blue oat grasses
Design tip
Plant broad sweeps across sunny slopes, rock gardens, or retaining walls where the spring flowers can create a vibrant carpet of color. Repeat evergreen groundcovers, compact shrubs, and upright flowering accents to add texture, contrast, and lasting visual interest.
