Scientific name: Phlox stolonifera

A dense, vigorous, mat-forming ground cover, creeping phlox has short flower stems from 3 to 12 inches tall. The flowers can be pale lavender-blue, rose-pink, medium violet, or white, with unnotched petals and a yellow center.

Noteworthy characteristics: This plant can be used in sweeps and masses to cover large areas, or in smaller areas and containers.

Care: Grows best in light to partial shade and in moist, loose soil of average fertility. Tolerates full sun if the soil stays moist.

Propagation: Insert basal cuttings in spring, or take root cuttings in early autumn or winter.

Problems: Powdery mildew, stem canker, rust, Southern blight, stem nematodes, Cercospora and Septoria leaf spots, leaf miners, and caterpillars.