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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty'

Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to moderate moisture, well-drained soil preferred

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)