Product Description
Phlox subulata 'Scarlet Flame'
a/k/a Moss Phlox.
Zone: 3 to 9.
Full sun to filtered sun.
Mature size: 4-to-6-inch height; spreads 2 to 3 feet.
Phlox subulata 'Scarlet Flame' is a vibrant and eye-catching groundcover that sets gardens ablaze with its fiery red blooms in spring. Here is a look at what makes this creeping phlox cultivar special:
- Intense Scarlet Flowers: True to its name, 'Scarlet Flame' boasts a profusion of brilliant scarlet-red flowers with a darker red eye. These star-shaped blooms blanket the plant in mid to late spring, creating a dazzling carpet of color.
- Low-Growing Habit: This phlox forms a dense mat of needle-like, dark green foliage that typically reaches 4-6 inches tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide. It is a fantastic choice for edging, rock gardens, and slopes.
- Versatile: 'Scarlet Flame' is incredibly versatile and can be used in various settings, including rock gardens, borders, containers, and even as a lawn substitute in sunny, dry areas.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The vibrant flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding life and movement to the garden.
- Hardy and Adaptable: This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, tolerating a wide range of temperatures and growing conditions.
Growing Tips:
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun for the best flowering. It can tolerate some light shade, but the bloom may be reduced.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and thrives in sandy or gravelly soils.
- Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant.
- Maintenance: Shear back lightly after flowering to maintain a neat appearance and promote new growth.
Design Ideas:
- Rock Gardens: The vibrant red flowers create a stunning contrast against rocks and other alpine plants.
- Borders: Use 'Scarlet Flame' as an edging plant or in the front of borders to add a splash of early-season color.
- Containers: Its trailing habit makes it a good choice for containers and hanging baskets, where it can spill over the edges.
- Slopes and Banks: Plant it on slopes and banks to control erosion and add a vibrant display of color.
- Mass Plantings: Create a dramatic effect by planting 'Scarlet Flame' in large groups or drifts.
Ten (10) plants in 4.5-inch containers per flat (or tray).
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
