1 / 3

Key characteristics

Family: Polemoniaceae
Height: 4 to 6 inches tall
Width: 12 to 18 inches
Flower color: Scarlet red
Foliage color: Green
Bloom time: Spring
Light: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Maintenance: Low; trim back after flowering to promote new growth
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 9
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Groundcovers

Phlox subulata ‘Spring Scarlet’

Spring Scarlet Creeping Phlox

Phlox subulata 'Spring Scarlet', or Spring Scarlet creeping phlox, is a low-growing perennial prized for its vibrant scarlet red flowers and spreading habit. Native to North America, this Polemoniaceae family member blooms in early to mid-spring, often before the leaves fully develop, creating a carpet of color. The small, five-petaled flowers cover the foliage, which serves as an attractive backdrop.

Ideal for sunny garden areas, 'Spring Scarlet' is often used as ground cover in rock gardens, borders, and containers.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Rock Gardens
Borders
Pollinator Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Aubrietas · Potentillas · Catmints · Blanket flowers · Candytufts · Feather reed grasses

Design tip

Plant broad drifts on sunny slopes, rock gardens, or retaining walls where brilliant spring flowers can spill naturally over stone. Repeat evergreen groundcovers, compact shrubs, and upright flowering perennials to create vivid contrast, texture, and lasting seasonal structure.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)