Phlox Violet Pinwheels (Creeping Phlox)

Blooming much earlier than most Creeping Phlox selections, Phlox ‘Violet Pinwheels’ is an evergreen perennial producing masses of starry flowers with notched, upturned petals, opening vivid purple and aging to a still-vivid violet color. Blooming as early as late March and extending into mid-May, the flowers are so abundant that they literally cover for four to six weeks the dark green, needle-like foliage.

Blooming much earlier than most Creeping Phlox selections, Phlox 'Violet Pinwheels' is an evergreen perennial producing masses of starry flowers with notched, upturned petals, opening vivid purple and aging to a still-vivid violet color. Blooming as early as late March and extending into mid-May, the flowers are so abundant that they literally cover for four to six weeks the dark green, needle-like foliage. Forming a slowly 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 made in 2008 between an eastern Phlox species and a western Phlox species.

  • Grows only 4-5 in. tall (10-12 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 4
– 8

Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Phlox
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 4"
– 5"
(10cm
– 12cm)
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 Showy, Evergreen
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