Looking for the best phlox for a scarlet-red ground cover or a bold border plant? This guide highlights five top choices linked to Amazon, focusing on Phlox subulata Scarlet Flame and closely related varieties. Each option targets different climates and garden goals, helping you choose based on mature size, growth habit, and care needs. The selections are suited for sunny to partially shaded beds, borders, containers, or pollinator-friendly landscapes.
| Product | Best For | Growing Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phlox subulata ‘Scarlet Flame’ (Moss Phlox) Perennial | Rocky patches, ground cover, borders | Low-growing, 3-6 in tall, 2-3 ft wide | USDA zones 3-8; deer resistant |
| Scarlet Flame Creeping Phlox – #1 Container | Container gardening, small spaces | 4-6 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide | California shipping restrictions may apply |
| Outsidepride Scarlet Phlox Seeds | Garden borders, long bloom, self-seeding beds | 8-20 inches tall; versatile | Annual seed option for midsummer to fall color |
| Phlox subulata ‘Scarlet Flame’ Moss Pinks | Ground cover, rock walls, paths | 4-6 inches tall | USDA zones 3-8; attracts hummingbirds |
| Purple Flame Tall Phlox Flower Root | Perennial borders, cut flowers | 12-16 inches tall; upright | Deer resistant; requires air flow |
Phlox Subulata Scarlet Flame Moss Phlox
Best for long-standing ground cover with bright spring color. This perennial is described as a low-growing moss phlox with a mature size of 3-6 inches tall and 2-3 feet wide. It thrives in USDA zones 3-8 and is deer resistant, making it a sturdy choice for rock gardens, slopes, and front borders. Choose this if you want a hardy, low-maintenance carpet of scarlet flowers that signals spring in compact beds. A potential limitation is its preference for well-drained soil and good air circulation to avoid powdery mildew in humid summers.
Scarlet Flame Creeping Phlox in a Container
Best for gardeners who want quick color in a compact footprint. This #1 container plant grows to about 4-6 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide, making it suitable for containers, cascading over edging, or small borders. Note the California restriction on shipping live plants, which affects availability there. It’s a good choice for those who need a short, dense plant with vivid scarlet blooms, but buyers in restricted states should consider alternative sources or seeds if allowed.
Outsidepride Scarlet Phlox Seeds
Best for gardeners who prefer annuals or experiment with sowing patterns. These seeds produce scarlet rose-red blooms with a long bloom period from mid-summer to fall. Plants reach 8-20 inches in height and work well in borders, containers, or small garden spaces. They are low-maintenance and self-seeding, which can be advantageous for naturalized landscapes but may require reseeding in drought-prone areas. Sow with well-drained soil and light coverage for best germination, 70°F soil temperatures aiding a 10-30 day emergence.
Perennial Moss Pinks Phlox Subulata Scarlet Flame
Best for classic rock gardens and pathways with a vibrant scarlet bloom. This cultivar is described as hardy in USDA zones 3-8, with full sun to partial shade growth. The moss-like foliage provides a green carpet that can attract hummingbirds in bloom. A caution is the need for space between plants (about 18 inches) to ensure air flow and prevent mildew in hot climates. This option suits gardeners seeking a reliable, native-appearing ground cover that signals early-season color.
Purple Flame Tall Phlox Seeded Root
Best for vertical accents in perennial borders and pollinator gardens. This option features tall, upright phlox that can reach 12-16 inches and is often used for cutting flowers as well. It is described as deer resistant and requires good air flow to prevent powdery mildew. Choose this if you want dramatic, fragrant clusters atop sturdy stems and plan to pair with shorter companions for layered color. The main limitation is taller stature that needs adequate spacing and sun exposure to avoid disease pressure.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations
- Growing zones and climate: Confirm your USDA zone matches the product’s stated range to avoid winter damage or poor bloom.
- Growth habit and space: Decide between ground cover moss phlox, creeping varieties, or tall perennials based on bed design and spacing.
- Sun and soil: Most phlox perform best in full sun with well-drained soil; amend heavy soils to improve drainage.
- Maintenance needs: Consider deadheading, thinning for air flow, and persistent moisture management to minimize mildew.
- Bloom period and color: For continuous color, pair long-blooming annuals with perennial phlox that re-bloom after pruning or deadheading.
- Container vs. in-ground: Containers suit small spaces and patios, while ground covers suit paths, slopes, and rock gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best phlox for a low-growing ground cover?
Answer: Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) varieties, including Scarlet Flame, are well-suited for ground cover with dense foliage and bright spring blooms. - Are these phlox deer resistant?
- Which phlox should I plant in containers?
- Do phlox require special protection in hot, humid summers?
- Can phlox be self-seeding, and what are the pros and cons?
Notes on Selection and Safety
All product descriptions here are based on the stated features and growing recommendations. The list includes a mix of perennial, container, and seed options to accommodate different gardener goals, from ground covers to borders to containers. Always verify local shipping restrictions and garden state laws before ordering live plants.