Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox

Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty'

Nature Hills Nursery

Lavender Pinwheel Blooms Smother Dense Mats of Evergreen Foliage Each Spring
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 6 ft Tall, 24 ft Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant

$28⁴⁷

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox performs best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct light daily to maintain its dense carpet like growth and vibrant flower color. While it can handle partial shade, you will likely see fewer blooms and a more leggy, open habit rather than a tight mat.
Soil: This plant thrives in gritty, well drained soil that mimics its native rocky environments. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost or fine gravel to improve drainage, as "wet feet" during the winter is the fastest way to lose this perennial.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Phlox twice a week to ensure the roots establish deeply into the soil. Once mature, these plants are remarkably drought tolerant, but providing a supplemental inch of water during extreme summer heat waves prevents the foliage from browning out or becoming brittle. Inconsistent watering during the spring bud stage can lead to a shorter blooming window and smaller individual flowers.

Pruning Tips

Because this plant blooms on old wood produced the previous year, you should wait until immediately after the flowers fade in late spring to trim it back. Use garden shears to take about one third of the growth off across the top, which acts like a haircut to stimulate fresh green foliage and keeps the center of the mound from becoming woody or bare. This timing allows the plant all summer to grow the stems that will hold next year's flower buds.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, once in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, because this encourages soft leafy growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season "growth spurt" leaves the plant vulnerable to winter kill and can reduce the number of flowers you see the following spring.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Drought resistant, Evergreen, Flowering, Groundcover
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	6 ft
Width	24 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Spreading, Trailing
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Purple
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Pet Safety	Non-toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Phlox
Botanical Name	Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty'
Species	subulata
Cultivar	Purple Beauty
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Purple waves of cheerful spring flowers, the Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty') feature pinwheels of soft lavender blooms that smother the tops of these domed and mounded perennials each and every spring! Creating carpets of low-growing color to greet your winter-weary eyes and delight the senses!

Purple Beauty features little "fairy flowers" that look terrific at a distance, Up close, they are even sweeter, with slightly notched petals only adding to the ornamental value! It will look great after the blooms are past, as well. You'll be pleased with its compact, dense mat of needle-like, evergreen foliage. Keep them trimmed up and tidy. Don't be surprised to see a second flowering in the fall as a final curtain call for the growing season.

Cold and heat-tolerant Creeping Phlox are welcome spring blooming perennials throughout USDA growing zones 3 through 9 and won't require much fussing over from you! Growing ankle-high at 4-6 inches tall and spreading to a 16-24 inch low mound, Phlox keep showing off all growing season for you anywhere in the sun! Eary-emerging pollinators will rejoice at the sight of these little blossoms!

Planting and Application:

Purple Beauty Phlox adds early spring carpets of color to garden beds and borders in the sun! Pollinators flock to these blooms so be sure to include these low-growing perennial flowers in your Cottage border, Perennial garden, atop a rock wall, clambering over stones in your Rock Garden, or in a Children's garden so all can delight in the cheerful blooms!

Creeping Phlox are fantastic spillers for letting cascade over the garden edges, over the tops of retaining walls, and over the sides of planters and containers! Creating a lovely mound of clean lines as a finishing touch to your garden! They are also vivid, flowering living mulch, so fill in those voids around the garden, mingling between larger perennials and shrubs, or en mass to fill large swaths with color! Stabilize soil and prevent erosion with Phlox covering a hillside!

Growing dense enough to block out weeds, you'll love creating continuous rows or groupings throughout your landscape of vivid color and greenery! Plant as cover for your spring bulbs and ephemerals, giving them a flowering carpet to grow up through, and then a wonderful blanket to hide beneath as the summer sun chases them away until next spring. The soft lavender hue of Purple Beauty accentuates yellows, pinks, white, peach, and other purple hues beautifully!

Create a continuous mat of brilliant color by planting them 8-10 inches apart. Mulch and weed between the plants until they grow together and touch.

Drifts of Light Violet-Lavender Spring Blooms
Carpets of Dense, Low-Growing Greenery
Needle-Like Leaves Can Be Evergreen in Mild Winters
Pollinators Galore, Stabilizes Soil & Shades Out Weeds
Spillers in Containers, Edging, Living Groundcover & Flowering Mulch

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Easy-care Creeping Phlox needs at least six hours of full sunlight a day for the most flowering. They do need well-drained soil, but no need to baby them with amendments. These North American native cultivars can tolerate poor soils without trouble. Please don't plant them too deeply or they will smother. Although waterwise, they will need a regular schedule of supplemental water over the course of their first season. Protect your investment by applying water in prolonged drought, as well.

In early spring, trim them back for a light shaping. You can remove any winter damage you see, but there shouldn't be much. The goal of pruning is to tip prune to encourage a compact habit. Once the first flush of blooms is done, shear the plant to encourage a fall rebloom!

Deer and rabbits get hungry, and no plant is truly "deer resistant", though they do not seem to prefer the taste of these plants. If you have heavy Deer pressure in your area, be sure to apply repellent during planting, guided by the instructions on the label.

Full Sun Blooms
Regular Moisture - Waterwise Once Established
Any Well-Drained Soil
Deadhead After Bloom & Prune/Trim in Early Spring
Deer and Rabbits Don't Prefer the Taste

Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox will be your new favorite spring delight! Hurry and order your own hardy and easy-care perennials today from NatureHills.com!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox suitable for?

Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. This cold and heat-tolerant perennial handles temperature extremes well across most of the continental United States. Plant it in full sun locations for best flowering performance.

What is the mature size and spread of Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox?

Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox grows 4-6 inches tall and spreads 16-24 inches wide, forming low mounded carpets. This compact size makes it perfect for edging, rock gardens, or cascading over walls. Shop at Nature Hills for this versatile groundcover that thrives in zones 3-9.

Does Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox grow well in my planting zone?

Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for most North American gardens. This cold and heat-tolerant perennial performs best in full sun locations. Check your specific zone and ensure you have a sunny spot for optimal spring blooming.

How much sunlight does Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox need daily?

Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox thrives in full sun locations throughout USDA zones 3-9. This perennial performs best with 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily to produce its abundant spring blooms. Plant in the sunniest spot available for maximum flowering.

Is Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox tolerant of poor or dry soils?

Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox tolerates dry conditions well once established, making it ideal for rock gardens and slopes. This hardy perennial thrives in zones 3-9 without much fussing. Plant in full sun with good drainage for best results, available at naturehills.com.

How often should I water Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox after planting?

Water deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month after planting. Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox establishes quickly in zones 3-9 and becomes quite drought tolerant once rooted. Check soil moisture at 2-3 inches deep and water when dry to the touch.

How do I prune or shear Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox after blooming?

Lightly shear Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox by one-third after spring blooms fade to maintain its compact shape. This encourages dense growth and may produce a second flush of fall flowers. Trim back any straggly growth to keep the 16-24 inch mound tidy throughout the season.

Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox

Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty'