String of pearls is a low-growing perennial plant that is lovely phlox or moss phlox,scientifically classified as phlox subulata. Creeping phlox forms a dense, mat-like cushion and produces many small, five-petaled flowers. It’s ideal for ground cover, rock gardens, or border edges.

Characteristics of Creeping Phlox

• Low-growing: Creeping phlox stays 3-6 inches tall which makes it the best fit for areas which, when filled with taller plants, may seem overcrowded.
• Mat-forming:  The plant grows vigorously to become a carpet like which can provide good coverage used for weed control.
• Colorful blooms:  Creeping phlox yields lots of flower in pink, purple, white, red, and blue colors depending on its type.
• Fragrant:  A large number of the creeping phlox cultivars have a high scent value, and emit a sweet, pleasant scent.
• Hardy:  One might also add that this plant is universal, meaning that it can be planted and cultivated under various conditions..

Planting Creeping Phlox

• Timing:You can propagate creeping phlox during both spring and fall because that is best time after the last frost.
• Soil:  This plant grows well on any well drained soils with much organic matter.
• Spacing:  It also notes that planting of creeping phlox should be 6 to 12 inches apart in order to allow it to spread as needed.
• Watering: When planting ensure the soil is moist but avoid watering your plants at the time of planting.

Caring for Creeping Phlox

• Watering: however, once the creeping phlox has become well established, it can cope with conditions of drought. But one must water the plants more frequently during these periods particularly during the hot climates.
• Fertilizing: Another method of fertilizing is by using 10-10-10 slow release that should be applied on the creeping phlox in spring.
• Pruning:You pick whichever flowers that may have wilted or faded, they need the cutting after flowering if flowers are to be made throughout the season.
• Dividing:Creeping phlox should be divided after 2-3 years of Its growth so that it may help to grow fast and avoid overcrowding of plants.
• Pest and disease control: Though this plant has a low probability of pests and diseases, this plant has vulnerability to powdery mildew and slugs.

Varieties of Creeping Phlox

Nowadays this plant can be found in numerous varieties and one must know the distinctions in order to plant this flower. Some popular varieties include:

• Phlox subulata ‘Emerald Cushion’: This variety has green colored leaves and bright pink colored bracts.
• Phlox subulata ‘Lilac Blue’: This variety has lovely lilac-blue flowers with palate green foliage that gives good contrast However, this wonder plant is very easy to grow.
• Phlox subulata ‘Candy Stripes’: 
• These plants have beautifully limbed pink and white striping to the flowers of this particular variety of this plant.
• Phlox subulata ‘White Delight’: This variety will bear pure white flowers which will help in forming a utility garden that will be brightly illuminated.
• Phlox subulata ‘Scarlet Flame’:  Since this variety flowers bright red it will indeed open people passing by and maybe even encourage them to stop and look at the flowers.

Creeping Phlox Plant Care and Growing Guide

This type of plant is extremely suitable for a wide range of gardens or environments. Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your landscape:

• Ground cover: It is equally good for ground cover in regions where the sun shines brightly all day. It can assist to decrease weeds and also is good for eradicating erosion.
• Rock gardens: This plant grows well in pogeyous therefore suitable for planting in rockeries or gardens.
• Borders: As an example, this plant may be planted and used to form attractive borders along the paths or at the location of outdoor sitting areas.
• Container gardens: It also can be placed in pots so it can easily be moved around and relocated when the weather gets to hot.

Benefits of Creeping Phlox

In addition to its beauty and versatility,  phlox offers several other benefits:

• Pollinator-friendly: Like any other flower, the  phlox flowers are favorite for bees, butterflies and any other pollinators.
• Erosion control: The benefits of this plant include: acting as a protective cover to slope and river bank against erosion.
• Low maintenance: Creeping phlox are considered low maintaining plants after the growth and development stage have been achieved.
• Aesthetics: The colourful foliage and the many textures associated with this plant be a great improvement to any garden.

Creeping phlox is one of the best options to consider when thinking about the garden. This low-growing plant has bright, colorful flowers and requires little maintenance, making it a favorite. If you want vibrant ground cover or need flowers for your rock garden, this plant is a great choice.