Phlox Running with Scissors (Creeping Phlox)
Vigorous and durable, Phlox ‘Running With Scissors’ is a ground-hugging perennial boasting a profusion of large, slightly fragrant, light to medium-violet flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm). Their petals are strongly cleft and blunt, similar to training scissors, after which this creeping phlox was named. Blooming in early spring for up to 6 weeks with a possible rebloom in the fall, the flowers are so abundant that they literally cover for the rosemary-like, dark green foliage. Forming a spreading flower carpet, this recently introduced hybrid phlox is perfect for the rock garden, on slopes, over a wall, or at the front of the sunny border. This plant was developed by Dr. Jim Ault at Chicago Botanic Garden from a cross between Phlox ‘McDaniel’s Cushion’ and Phlox bifida.
- Grows only 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and spreads up to 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm).
- Prefers full sun and enjoys humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Adaptability to heat, cold, alkaline and possibly saline soils.
- Excellent choice for rock gardens, slopes, edgings or ground covers. Perfectly suited to border fronts and lovely when slightly draping a rock wall. A great companion for tulips and daffodils… and butterflies too!
- Trouble-free, requires little care.
- Readily propagated by shoot tip cuttings taken from new growth in spring or autumn.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5 – 8 |
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Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Phlox |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 6" – 8" (15cm – 20cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24″ – 36″ (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Salt |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |