Images Depict Mature Plants
Candy Stripe Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata 'Candy Stripe'
Candy Stripe creeping phlox is one of those “plant it once and smile every spring” groundcovers—evergreen, low, tidy, and then bam… a pink-and-white bloom carpet that looks like it was designed on purpose. I love it on sunny slopes, along walkways, and spilling over stones where the bicolor flowers really pop, and the best part is it stays looking sharp with one simple post-bloom trim.
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Candy Stripe Creeping Phlox Groundcover For Spring Color
Pink-And-White Blooms That Look Like A Candy Cane Carpet
Candy Stripe creeping phlox delivers one of the most cheerful spring displays you can plant. In early to mid-spring, the mat is smothered in crisp white flowers marked with a bright pink stripe—like tiny candy canes scattered across the garden. It’s bold enough to read from the curb, yet detailed enough to feel special up close, especially when planted in drifts where the bicolor pattern becomes a living tapestry.
This bloom show is also a designer’s shortcut to “instant spring.” Use it to brighten the front edge of a bed, underplant early bulbs, or weave color through stonework and retaining walls. When the flowers finish, the foliage remains as a tidy green groundcover—so the planting doesn’t go “blank” after bloom the way many spring-only stars do.
Evergreen, Low-Growing Coverage That Keeps Beds Looking Finished
Candy Stripe forms a low, tight mat of needle-like foliage that stays neat and intentional. At just a few inches tall, it frames borders without blocking other plants, and it fills the visual gap between hardscape and taller perennials. In many climates, it maintains its evergreen character throughout much of the year, and even in harsher winters, it rebounds quickly with fresh growth.
Because it hugs the ground, it works like a living mulch—helping suppress weeds once it knits together. It’s also a great choice for gardeners who want a clean edge with minimal fuss: one simple trim after flowering keeps the mat dense, encourages fresh shoots, and helps prevent the center from getting woody over time.
Sun-Loving Performance For Rock Gardens And Tough Slopes
If you have a sunny slope that’s hard to mow, a rocky bank, or a spot with sharp drainage, Candy Stripe creeping phlox is in its element. It prefers well-drained soil (average to sandy is ideal) and, once established, tolerates dry spells better than many flowering groundcovers. That makes it a smart pick for places where irrigation is inconsistent or where the soil dries quickly.
On slopes, the spreading habit helps stabilize the surface while creating that classic “spilling” look over stones and walls. The key is establishment: plant into small, leveled pockets, water deeply so moisture penetrates (instead of running off), and keep mulch light around the crown. After that first season, it settles into a reliable, low-profile groundcover that keeps looking intentional.
Simple Care That Stays Tidy With One Post-Bloom Trim
Candy Stripe is low maintenance in the best way—no complicated pruning calendar, no special staking, and no heavy feeding needed. The main routine is a quick shear right after flowering to remove spent blooms and tip growth back into a dense, fresh mat. That one step improves appearance, encourages branching, and reduces the chance of thin or woody patches.
It’s also easy to “edit” in the landscape. If it creeps beyond where you want it, lightly trim the edges along paths or borders to keep lines crisp. In humid areas, give it enough spacing and sun so air can move through the mat—better airflow helps keep foliage healthier and makes the planting look cleaner from spring through the rest of the season.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 4 to 6 inches |
| Mature Width: | 12 to 24 inches |
| Sunlight: | Full sun (tolerates partial sun) |
| Bloom Time / Color | Early to mid-spring; white flowers with pink stripes |
| Soil Condition: | Well-drained; average to sandy/gravelly; great in rock gardens |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established; drought tolerant once established |
| Wildlife Value | Attracts bees and butterflies |
| Resistance | Generally deer resistant; drought tolerant once established |
| Landscape Uses | Edging, rock gardens, slopes/banks, wall spillover, groundcover carpets, containers |
How to Care for Candy Stripe Creeping Phlox
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Candy Stripe Creeping Phlox plant for years to come!
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How should I plant Candy Stripe Creeping Phlox?
Plant Candy Stripe creeping phlox in full sun for the tightest mat and heaviest bloom. Choose well-drained soil—this groundcover performs best where roots aren’t sitting in wet conditions. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and set the crown level with the soil surface. Backfill, firm gently, and water deeply to settle the roots. Use a light mulch layer to reduce weeds, but keep mulch off the crown so stems don’t stay overly damp. On slopes, plant into small level pockets and press soil in well so roots have immediate contact and can anchor quickly.
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How often should I water Candy Stripe Creeping Phlox after planting?
For the first 2–3 weeks, water every 2–3 days (or more often during heat and wind) to keep the root zone evenly moist—not soggy. After that, shift to deep watering about once per week, adjusting for rainfall and soil type; sandy soils dry faster and may need a bit more frequency. Once established, Candy Stripe is fairly drought tolerant, but it looks best when it isn’t stressed during spring growth and bloom. If you want the cleanest flower show and dense coverage, don’t let it go bone-dry for long stretches during its first growing season.
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When should I fertilize Candy Stripe Creeping Phlox?
Feed lightly in early spring as new growth begins with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a thin top-dressing of compost. Creeping phlox doesn’t need heavy feeding, and too much nitrogen can push foliage at the expense of flowers. If the plant is in a container or your soil is very lean, a small follow-up feeding after bloom can support fresh regrowth. Keep fertility moderate—sun and drainage do more for this plant than extra fertilizer ever will.
When and how should I prune Candy Stripe Creeping Phlox?
Trim Candy Stripe creeping phlox right after flowering. A quick shear to remove spent blooms and lightly shape the mat encourages branching and keeps the plant dense and fresh-looking. You can also tidy edges any time during the growing season if it creeps beyond a border line. If older sections get woody, selectively thin or refresh patches by trimming back a portion of stems after bloom—this helps maintain a lush, carpet-like habit year after year.
