are phlox and thrift the same

Unfortunately, there are two completely different plants that go by the name “thrift.” And, you guessed it, one of them is a kind of phlox. Phlox subulata

, known as creeping phlox or moss phlox, is also frequently called “thrift.”

Full Answer

Is thrift Phlox a perennial?

Phlox subulata, known as creeping phlox or moss phlox, is also frequently called “thrift.” This plant is a true member of the phlox family. Especially popular in the southeastern U.S., it is actually hardy in USDA zones 2 through 9. It is a low growing, creeping perennial that is frequently used for groundcover.

Is there a difference between sea thrift and creeping phlox?

There are actually two plants with the common name of thrift: sea thrift (​ Armeria maritima ​), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8, and creeping phlox (​ Phlox subulata ​), hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. There are many species and cultivars of phlox, both annual and perennial.

Are there different types of Phlox?

There are many species and cultivars of phlox, both annual and perennial. Phlox and thrift are easy-maintenance plants that are fast-growing and multiply rapidly. However, growing requirements, care and cultivation of phlox and thrift differ greatly.

What is the difference between Juniper and Phlox?

Also known as Spanish thrift, juniper-leaved sea thrift displays hot pink flowers. Unlike phlox, thrift plants stay green year-round. Phlox does best in nutrient rich, moist soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, says the National Gardening Association.

What does the thrift plant look like?

Sea Thrift Plant Info This slow grower produces beautiful sea pink flowers that are bright pink, red, violet, or white. These round flowers appear in clusters on top of wiry and erect stems. This dainty little plant, native to central and southern Europe, blooms from late spring to early summer.

Are there two kinds of phlox?

Most phlox can be placed into two categories, which are creeping phlox and garden phlox, but there are other less common varieties as well. They're mostly grown between hardiness zones three and nine, but this can change based on whether the plant is being grown as an annual or a perennial.

Is there another name for creeping phlox?

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), often called moss phlox, mountain phlox or moss pink, loves sun, tolerates drought, attracts butterflies, and even resists deer.

What is similar to phlox?

Dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis) resembles phlox in height and color but is in a different plant family entirely, the Mustard family (Brassicaceae) while Phlox is in the Phlox family (Polemoniaceae).

What are the different types of phlox?

Garden phloxCreeping phloxMoss phloxPhlox drummondiiWild blue phloxDowny phloxPhlox/Lower classifications

How do you keep phlox blooming all summer?

Since phlox is a perennial, the resulting seedlings can become weedy and often do not bloom. Deadheading the plants allows the parent plant to focus on providing blooms and keeping the main crown healthy. You can then divide the plant every two to three years and make more of this lovely bloomer if you wish.

What is another name for thrift flower?

Phlox subulata, known as creeping phlox or moss phlox, is also frequently called “thrift.” This plant is a true member of the phlox family. Especially popular in the southeastern U.S., it is actually hardy in USDA zones 2 through 9. It is a low growing, creeping perennial that is frequently used for groundcover.

What is the difference between phlox and creeping phlox?

Creeping phlox adds a sweet vanilla-clove scent to the garden that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. This low-growing ground cover reaches from 3 to 8 inches tall. Phlox subulata, also known as thrift phlox or garden phlox, is a hardy, low-growing evergreen plant with a mossy appearance.

Should you cut back creeping phlox?

Care of Creeping Phlox The stems can be cut back after flowering to promote a second bloom. Care of creeping phlox may also include cutting the plant back in late winter to allow for rejuvenation and to produce young, more compact stems.

What is the longest blooming ground cover?

But the deep blue racemes double the plant's height from late spring to midsummer. A single shearing or regular deadheading encourages reblooming into fall. Of all the veronicas, 'Goodness Grows' is the best ground cover because it's one of the lowest-growing, longest-blooming, and most reliable cultivars.

What is the best low maintenance ground cover?

The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Your GardenHeuchera. 2/16. ... Honeysuckle. 3/16. ... Brass Buttons. 4/16. ... Creeping Phlox. 5/16. ... Creeping Jenny. 6/16. ... Stonecrop. 7/16. ... Vinca Minor. 8/16. ... Lamium. 9/16.More items...

Will phlox bloom all summer?

Phlox is a perennial flowering plant. It is a genus in the family Polemoniaceae. Creeping phlox are known for their long blooming seasons. They bloom all summer, which also corresponds to their growing season.

What's the difference between phlox and creeping phlox?

Creeping phlox adds a sweet vanilla-clove scent to the garden that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. This low-growing ground cover reaches from 3 to 8 inches tall. Phlox subulata, also known as thrift phlox or garden phlox, is a hardy, low-growing evergreen plant with a mossy appearance.

Is phlox and creeping phlox the same thing?

Phlox subulata, known as creeping phlox or moss phlox, is also frequently called “thrift.” This plant is a true member of the phlox family. Especially popular in the southeastern U.S., it is actually hardy in USDA zones 2 through 9. It is a low growing, creeping perennial that is frequently used for groundcover.

What's the difference between moss phlox and creeping phlox?

Phlox subulata is sometimes also referred to as creeping phlox but is more specifically known as moss phlox or moss pink. This densely flowering perennial ground cover thrives in full-sun spaces like xeriscapes, south-facing slopes or rock gardens.

What are the tall phlox called?

Phlox paniculataPhlox paniculata: Common names: Garden phlox, summer phlox, tall phlox, border phlox. Size: 2 to 4 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide. An upright perennial, hardy in Zones 4-8, that grows in clumps.

Why is Phlox Called Thrift?

Language is a funny thing, particularly when regional plants that were named hundreds of years ago finally meet each other on the internet, where so much information is so easily mixed.

What is the name of the plant that is thrift?

The other plant that goes by the name “thrift” is Armeria, and it’s actually a genus of plants that are in no way related to phlox. Some popular species include Armeria juniperifolia (juniper-leaved thrift) and Armeria maritima ( sea thrift ).

Is thrift a phlox?

Is thrift a kind of phlox? Yes and no. Unfortunately, there are two completely different plants that go by the name “thrift.”. And, you guessed it, one of them is a kind of phlox. Phlox subulata, known as creeping phlox or moss phlox, is also frequently called “thrift.”. This plant is a true member of the phlox family.

Can two plants have the same name?

Image by Jumoobo. Plant names can be the source of a lot of confusion. It’s not at all uncommon for two completely different plants to go by the same common name, which can lead to some real problems when you’re trying to research care and growing conditions. One such naming debacle is the one involving thrift.

Is a sage plant hardy?

Especially popular in the southeastern U.S., it is actually hardy in USDA zones 2 through 9. It is a low growing, creeping perennial that is frequently used for groundcover. It produces lots of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, red, white, purple, and red.

How to grow annual phlox?

Annual phlox prefer sandy soil, with adequate but not excessive moisture. Six hours or more of morning sun with some afternoon shade will allow enough light for optimum flowering, while extending bloom time. Choosing heat tolerant cultivars will also lengthen the season of bloom. Keep old flower heads pruned off to further encourage continued bloom. Light fertilization of young plants will encourage growth. Avoid excess fertilization, particularly of high nitrogen fertilizers, which could cause excess leaf growth and delay flowering. Plants are usually and easily grown from seed. Seed can be sown directly in late winter or very early spring, or seedlings can be grown until 6 to 8 weeks old and set out a few weeks before the last frost date. Plants can also be set out in late summer for fall bloom. In more sheltered and warm areas along the lower coast, plants can be set out in mid-fall, much as pansies are planted, for earlier spring or even winter bloom. Plants may be found in cell packs in garden centers. Reseeding is common.

How tall do phlox grow?

Numerous species of phlox are grown, with height varying between 3 to 6 inches for moss phlox ( Phlox subulata) to 5 feet tall for the taller varieties of garden phlox ( P. paniculata ). Growth habit varies as well, from low, mounded sun-lovers, to low spreading woodland phlox with upright flower stems, to strongly upright narrow types.

What are the features of phlox?

Ornamental Features. Phlox are grown for their abundant flowering, with most phlox species and cultivars also having a light sweet fragrance. Phlox are highly attractive to butterflies. Some species are so completely covered with flowers while in bloom that it is impossible to see any leaves.

How long does it take for daffodils to bloom?

Bloom time varies from early spring while daffodils are blooming to mid-to-late summer. Spring blooming species generally have a short, intense bloom period of 2 to 3 weeks, while summer flowering phlox may bloom over several months if old, spent flowers are removed regularly.

Why is phlox so popular?

Phlox have been extremely popular with gardeners and widely grown since their discovery in the late 18 th century. Because of this they have acquired a wide variety of common names, some of which they share with completely unrelated plants. For this reason, knowing the botanical name will help ensure that you get the plant you want at nurseries.

Where do phlox grow?

Carolina Phlox ( Phlox carolina ): Native to a wide area throughout the southeast, Carolina phlox is also native throughout South Carolina, growing in deciduous woods, forest edges and clearings, and along roadsides. It is closely related to garden phlox ( P. paniculata) and spotted phlox ( P. maculata ). Carolina phlox has an upright growth habit, reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 ½ to 2 feet wide. Flowers vary in color from lavender to pink to white. All these colors can also occur in wild plants. The flowers are held in small clusters at the top of the stems, blooming from May near the coast to late June in the mountains, earlier than garden phlox. Carolina phlox often flowers intermittently until the first fall frosts. Leaves are lance shaped, 1 ½ to 4 inches in length.

Where does creeping phlox grow?

Creeping Phlox ( Phlox stolonifera ): Creeping phlox is native to the South Carolina mountains and Piedmont in deciduous woods and along stream banks. It is similar to woodland phlox, but is lower growing with oval rather than narrow leaves. It forms an excellent groundcover, spreading by aboveground runners (stolons), and does well growing between other shade loving plants and small bulbs.

What is a bright eye phlox?

Bright Eyes Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Bright Eyes') Maria Mosolova / Getty Images. One of the nice pink phloxes is Bright Eyes. It is also shorter than most types, which is great for low-maintenance landscaping. Some of the taller types of garden phlox require staking, which means extra work for you.

What is a Grenadine Dream Phlox?

Grenadine Dream Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Grenadine Dream') For an especially vibrant color in a brighter shade, try 'Grenadine Dream' garden phlox. It is another of the shorter garden phloxes, allowing you to avoid having to stake your plants.

What is Violetta Gloriosa?

Violetta Gloriosa Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Violetta Gloriosa') Getty Images. Violetta Gloriosa offers pastel color for those looking for a "soft" addition to the garden. It is a great choice as a companion for a purple plant located in the back row of a border.

What is Grace Phlox?

Grace Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Grace') Not everyone wants a garden phlox with an in-your-face color. Sometimes, you want a plant with a flower color that complements the plants around it, rather than one that competes for your attention. 'Grace' phlox is a good choice when you want understated color.

What is a little boy phlox?

Little Boy Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Little Boy') Living up to its name, 'Little Boy' is another of the shorter types of Phlox paniculata. 'Little Boy' garden phlox looks like 'Laura,' but the flower has more white in it. The petals have light centers and purple edges.

What is a phlox?

Email. The Spruce / Autumn Wood. Garden phlox ( Phlox paniculata) is a low maintenance, colorful plant valued by gardeners seeking continuous sequence of bloom. There are over 60 species of phlox, but garden phlox is the most popular.

What is Laura's flower color?

Laura's flowers have one of the most vibrant colors in a darker shade of any garden phlox. Like other members of the genus, it offers the side benefit of attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to the yard. USDA Zones: 4 to 8.

What family is alyssum in?

It belongs to the Brassicaceae plant family. Alyssum is also a name applied to basket of gold, or yellow alyssum, whose botanical name is Aurinia saxatilis. It, too, is a member of the Brassicaceae family. Phlox belongs to a different plant family, Polemoniaceae.

What is the difference between alyssum and creeping phlox?

What Is the Difference Between Alyssum & Creeping Phlox? Both alyssum and creeping phlox are low-growing, flowering plants. The common name, “alyssum,” however, can refer to more than one kind of plant. Sweet alyssum, usually grown as an annual, has the botanical name Lobularia maritimum.

What is a rounded clump of phlox?

Sweet alyssum forms a rounded clump that will spill over the edge of a pot when used in container plantings. Creeping phlox sends out long stems that root where they touch the ground, slowly forming a large mat of foliage.

How big does creeping phlox grow?

Creeping phlox is a perennial evergreen plant that thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. It grows 6 to 12 inches tall and spreads to 3 feet wide. Sweet alyssum, which reaches 6 to 8 inches tall, is grown as an annual in most parts of the United States.

When does creeping phlox bloom?

It blooms once, in late April or early May, whereas alyssum blooms all summer long, into fall.

When does alyssum bloom?

The most common flower color is white, although alyssum also comes in pink, purple, lavender and pale yellow. Creeping phlox bears five-petalled, single flowers the size of a quarter in shades of pink, red, lavender, pale blue, purple or white. It blooms once, in late April or early May, whereas alyssum blooms all summer long, into fall.

Do sweet alyssum and creeping phlox grow in full sun?

Both plants benefit from shearing after blooms have faded, which will result in a new crop of flowers for alyssum and fresh, green growth for creeping phlox .