Phlox subulata Emerald Cushion

Common Name:
Creeping Phlox 'Emerald Cushion'

Description:
Creeping Phlox 'Emerald Cushion' (Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion') is a showy, low-growing ground cover prized for its thick carpet of starry lavender-purple flowers that burst into bloom during early to mid-spring. Forming a dense mat of fine, evergreen needle-like foliage, it provides excellent year-round ground coverage and looks particularly striking spilling over rocks, edging garden beds, or blanketing slopes. This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an ideal choice for Melbourne gardens where dry conditions and low maintenance are essential. Once established, it offers excellent drought tolerance and requires minimal care — just a light trim after flowering to keep it compact and encourage future blooms. ‘Emerald Cushion’ is a popular pick for rockeries, retaining walls, alpine gardens, and cottage-style borders, where its soft colour and spreading habit create a charming spring feature.

Form:
Ground Cover
Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
Height: 0.1–0.15 m
Width: 0.5–0.8 m (spreading)

Aspect:
Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:
Lavender-purple

Key Attributes:
Suitable for Pots
Drought Tolerant
Bee Attracting
Low Maintenance
Groundcovering
Foliage Interest
Perennial
Suitable for Rockeries
Erosion Control

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and pets.

Companion Plants:
Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft)
Thymus serpyllum
Aubrieta deltoidea
Sedum ‘Blue Spruce’
Erigeron karvinskianus
Armeria maritima