Trim Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox right after its April-May bloom period ends. Light shearing removes spent flowers and encourages denser growth. Cut back no more than one-third of the plant's 6-12 inch height to maintain its spreading habit.

Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox

Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue'

Nature Hills Nursery

Vibrant Emerald Blue Flowers Transform Spring Gardens into Stunning Jewel-Toned Carpets
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 1 ft Tall, 2 ft Wide
Showy Blue Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this plant full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it can survive in light shade, the flower carpet will be much denser and vibrant with maximum sun exposure.
Soil: Excellent drainage is non-negotiable for Creeping Phlox; it struggles in soggy spots. It tolerates rocky or sandy soils well, but if you have heavy clay, amend it with compost or plant on a slope to prevent root rot.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist during the first season to help the shallow roots establish. Once settled, this groundcover is quite drought tolerant, but occasional deep watering during hot, dry spells will prevent the foliage from browning and keep the plant stress free.

Pruning Tips

Trim the stems back by a few inches immediately after the spring bloom finishes, usually in late spring or early summer. This "haircut" encourages denser foliage growth and prevents the center from getting woody, ensuring a lush carpet for next year. Avoid winter pruning, or you will remove the buds set for the upcoming spring.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release general fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers later in the season, as this promotes excessive leafy growth at the expense of next year's flowers and can make the plant susceptible to winter damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

Magnificently eye-popping! The Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata "Emerald Blue') is an ideal ground cover with dark blue flowers and a thick mat of semi-evergreen foliage. Emerald Blue may also be called Creeping Phlox or Moss Phlox.

Blooming from April to May, it is a great addition to any perennial garden. The attractive lavender-blue blooms fit in with any and every color in your garden making it stand out amongst the crowd. Most of that crowd will be hungry early emerging pollinators and visiting Hummingbirds in the spring!

Emerald Blue is deer resistant making your life a lot easier! On top of that, the flowers are also perfumed! This plant can be described as dense, low-growing, and mat-forming as it spreads to form a flowering carpet of beauty! Cold and heat-tolerant throughout USDA growing zones 3 -9, Creeping Phlox can reach a 6-12 inch height and 2-3 feet low-growing width.

Planting and Application:

No more days of boring and dull spots in your garden because this flower is ready to bring life and brightness to your garden. Your garden expectations are about to be completely blown away! Cottage gardens, Children's Garden, Bulb Gardens, Perennial Borders, and Pollinator gardens all benefit greatly from these darling waves of spring pinwheels! Even containers and planters gain a vivid spring spiller!

Use your Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox in rock gardens, as a spread over curbs and short retaining walls, or in difficult edges of dry streambeds. These vivid perennials look great rambling through a Rock Gardens or Crevis Garden or as living mulch/groundcover. Plant along the edges of a hot sunny walkway or path, or along the edges of sun garden beds and borders! Even slopes and hard-to-mow hillsides in the sun gain a carpet of erosion slowing beauty!

Blue Flowers With a Dark Blue-Purple Eye
Masses of Tiny Blue Flowers on 6" Groundcover
Dark Purple Eye in Each Flower
Incredible in Mass Planting
Adored by Beneficial Pollinators

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox needs to be planted in a full sun area in well-drained soil for the best growth possible. Provide moderate yet consistent moisture for new plants their first year, but after, these plants are very self-sufficient. Provide moisture during times of drought and extreme heat, and to further help with moisture retention, add a 3-4 inch thick layer of mulch over the soil surface. Prune/shear mounds immediately after flowering and remove up to a third of the top growth for a clean start.

Full Sun
Well-Drained Enriched Soil
Moderate Moisture
Prune After Flowering
Very Easy Care

This flowering perennial is positively striking in the spring and will effortlessly make a difference in your landscaping. Order your very own striking Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox today! This is a fan favorite and won't last long!

Explore More from Nature Hills

Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox is an excellent choice among perennials and groundcovers for creating vibrant spring displays in challenging areas. This hardy selection thrives in zone 3 plants, trees & shrubs collections and pairs beautifully with other drought tolerant options for low-maintenance landscapes. For design inspiration and growing tips, explore our guides on Creeping Phlox: Carpets Of Color For Your Garden! and Classic Colors Blue & Purple Flowering Perennials.

Botanical Name

Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue'
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

subulata
Cultivar

Emerald Blue
Growing Zones

3–9
Height

1 ft
Width

2 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Blue
Leaf Color

Green
Fall Color

Yellow
Native

Yes
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3–9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i buy creeping phlox?

Creeping phlox is widely available at most garden centers, nurseries, and online plant retailers during spring planting season. This hardy perennial thrives in zones 3-9 and blooms April through May. Look for Phlox subulata varieties at local nurseries in early spring for best selection and planting timing.

What's the best blue flowering ground cover?

Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox delivers spectacular lavender-blue blooms in April-May across zones 3-9. This dense, mat-forming perennial reaches 6-12 inches tall and spreads 2-3 feet wide, creating a flowering carpet that attracts pollinators while resisting deer. Shop at Nature Hills for this proven ground cover.

What USDA hardiness zones is Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox suitable for?

Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making it suitable for most of the United States. This cold and heat-tolerant perennial handles everything from harsh northern winters to hot southern summers. Plant it in full sun for best flowering performance.

How tall and wide will Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox grow at maturity?

Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox reaches 6-12 inches tall and spreads 2-3 feet wide at maturity. This low-growing perennial forms a dense flowering carpet in zones 3-9. Allow adequate spacing for its natural spreading habit when planting.

Does this phlox need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox thrives in full sun locations. While it can tolerate some light shade, you'll get the best flowering and densest mat formation with 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant it along sunny walkways or hillsides for optimal performance. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy plants ready to carpet your garden.

How often should I water newly planted Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox?

Water newly planted Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox daily for the first week, then reduce to 2-3 times weekly until established. This drought-tolerant perennial typically establishes within 4-6 weeks in zones 3-9. Once roots develop, water only during dry spells.

When should i trim?

Trim Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox right after its April-May bloom period ends. Light shearing removes spent flowers and encourages denser growth. Cut back no more than one-third of the plant's 6-12 inch height to maintain its spreading habit.

What size container will my plants arrive in and when do you ship?

Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox typically ships in 2.5" pots during the optimal planting seasons of spring and fall. Since this perennial thrives in zones 3-9, shipping timing varies by your location to ensure plants arrive when conditions are right. Plant immediately upon arrival for best establishment before the April-May bloom period.