Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' Creeping Phlox

Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' has dark green, needle-like, evergreen foliage that is covered with a blanket of light purple blooms in early spring. 'Purple Beauty' is lovely with spring bulbs or makes an excellent ground cover for sunny, dry sites. A perennial, also known as Creeping Phlox or Moss Pinks, Phlox subulata is native to the eastern half of North America, where it is typically found on sandy or rocky places, savannas, rocky ledges or slopes, and clearings. Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' prefers full sun and average to dry, well-drained soil. It is excellent for sandy or gravelly soils and tolerates hot dry conditions better than other types of Phlox. It is also suitable for coastal conditions. Plants should be sheared back after blooming to encourage fresh foliage.