Creeping Phlox

About this plant

Phlox subulata 'Early Spring Blue' is a delightful, mat-forming groundcover celebrated for its prolific early spring bloom. Its dense, needle-like foliage forms a lush green carpet throughout the growing season, acting as an excellent weed suppressor and soil stabilizer. Beginning in early to mid-spring, this variety explodes with a breathtaking display of small, star-shaped, iridescent blue flowers, completely obscuring the foliage beneath. It creates a stunning visual impact, perfect for rock gardens, cascading over walls, or brightening up borders and pathways. Extremely hardy and remarkably adaptable, 'Early Spring Blue' thrives with minimal fuss, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking long-lasting color and texture in their outdoor spaces.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage. Water regularly during dry spells in its first year to establish; mature plants are drought-tolerant. A light shearing after flowering can encourage denser growth and a tidier appearance, though it's not strictly necessary. Fertilize sparingly in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.