How to Care for Blue Emerald Creeping Phlox

Amend the soil in a sunny planting area by combining it with peat moss or organic compost. Spread a 1-inch layer of either or both of these amendments on the soil surface and then turn it under with your shovel.

Plant one Blue Emerald creeping phlox plant every 3 feet for eventual full coverage of an area. Dig a planting hole large enough for the root system of each plant in your prepared area, set the plant into it and then tuck it in with additional soil.

Water well after planting by running a sprinkler for 20 minutes. After the initial watering, water this plant once each week during its first year in the ground. Watch for wilting during hot weather and water more frequently if this occurs. After the first year, the plant will become established and will not require as much water.

Fertilize your phlox about one month after planting it, using a granular plant food with an N-P-K ratio of 9-12-12. Scatter it on the soil surface around your plant(s), and then spread a layer of mulch, such as compost, over the area. About two weeks after your phlox begins to flower, fertilize a second time. If you applied mulch, pull it back before you scatter more fertilizer. Water after applying plant food.

Spray plants with insecticidal soap if spider mites attack: watch for webbing similar to spider webs and spray every other day until the insects are gone.

Prune your phlox after it finishes its yearly flowering cycle. Cut back all spent blossoms and any branches that are dead or that have grown into an area where you don’t want them. This plant responds well to pruning.