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Phlox nivalis
Sweet Trailing Phlox, Pineland Phlox

Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

Phlox nivalis, or Traliling Phlox, is a low growing, early flowering, sun-loving species of Phlox which presents as a mound-forming mat of stiff, needle-like, evergreen foliage. Although reported in all three NC zones (mountains, piedmont, coastal plain) its strongest presence appears to be in sandhill and dry habitats of the central counties of NC and South Carolina. Hence it is tolerant of dry conditions. It forms a 6-inch mat, with woody trailing stems — some call it a subshrub. In May and June it produces typical Phlox flowers (five flattened petal lobes fused at the base in a long tube) with blossoms from purple to pink to white, usually pink, with nectar guide markings at the base of the petal lobes. What differentiates Trailing Phlox from other groundcover Phloxes, for instance P. subulata, is its semi-woody nature (P. subulata is entirely herbaceous); it flowers several weeks ahead of P. subulata; and in details of its floral structure (see Flowers). Also, P. nivalis prefers acidic, sandy soil whereas P. subulata prefers rocky, more alkaline soil. Trailing Phlox is a tough and hardy groundcover that draws many pollinators, including hummers, and lifts the color display of the garden in early summer.

Last Updated: July 2, 2019

Key Info

Scientific Name: Phlox nivalis Lodd. ex Sweet
Common Names: Sweet Trailing Phlox, Pineland Phlox
Family Name: Polemoniaceae (Jacob's Ladder Family)
Plant Type: Subshrub, Groundcover
Uses: Wildlife plant, Rock garden, Edging plant, Container, Groundcover (sunny)
Light Requirement: Full sun, Partial/sunny
Moisture Requirement: Dry, Medium, Moist well drained
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Bloom Times: Apr, May, Jun
Flower Color: Pink to rose to lavender, rarely white
Special Characteristics: Attracts butterflies, Candidate for fire management, Attracts Hummingbirds, Tolerates dry conditions

Additional Info

Habit: Low growing, evergreen, mound-forming subshrub or semi-woody perennial, sends out low runners; can be identified by its woody, trailing stems though the flowering stems are erect, herbaceous and deciduous.
Height: 6" - 8"
Spread: 1.5'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil Conditions: Medium to dry, well drained; acidic, sandy.
Leaves: 6-8" mat of shiny, dense, needle-like foliage, evergreen. Leaves are opposite or in fascicles on short axillary spur shoots.
Flowers (or reproductive structures): Many pink to purple (rarely white) flowers at the top of each short flower stalk. Flowers are fragrant, about 1 inch across, 5-petaled with petals fused around a narrow throat. Petals are irregularly toothed and have colorful nectar guide markings at the base of the flattened, visible lobe. The style within the tube is so short in P. nivalis that the stigma is at the bottom of the tube. (In P. subulata the style reaches end of the tube. i.e., the stamens are exserted.)
Fruit: The rounded fruits starts out green and eventually (late summer/fall) dry to brown, ovoid seed capsules containing several small black seeds.
Natural Distribution: Sandhills, dry pinelands, dry deciduous woods, open slopes and flats in sandy ground.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: not available
Pollination: Long tongued insects (butterflies, some bees, other insects) and hummingbirds.
Wildlife Connections: Attracts many pollinators.
Cultural Notes: This southern species blooms about two weeks later than P. subulata. They are very similar, but can be told apart by the length of the style. If you tear the flower in half lengthwise you will see that the style is so short in P. nivalis that the stigma is at the bottom of the tube. In P. subulata the style extends out to the end of the tube (NCSU).
Downside: Phloxes in general need good air circulation and deadheading to prevent issues with powdery mildew. Slugs can be a pest in overly moist sites, and spider mites in hot, dry sites.
Propagation: By division or by cuttings.
USDA/NRCS Plant Distribution Map: View Map at USDA.gov

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Cure Nursery is a small nursery propagating and selling native plants for the Southeastern U.S. We are located near the town of Pittsboro, Chatham County, in central NC.

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