Phlox subulata

Moss Phlox
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Polemoniaceae
Subfamily:	Polemonioideae
Genus:	Phlox
Species:	P. subulata
Binomial name
Phlox subulata L.

Phlox subulata in an ornamental planting at Yachounomori Garden in Tatebayashi, Gunma

Phlox subulata (Moss Phlox, Moss Pink, Mountain Phlox) is a perennial creeper growing to a height of 6 inches and covering a 20-inch-wide (510 mm) area. The small, five-petaled flowers bloom in rose, mauve, blue, white, or pink in late spring to early summer. It is native to North America.

According to one news story, the plants give off an odor that can supposedly be mistaken for marijuana. This has been known to cause altercations between gardeners and law enforcement personnel or criminals.

Cultivation

• Requires full sun and well-drained soil.
• Hardiness zones: USDA zone 3 to 9

References

• Blanchan, Neltje (2002). Wild Flowers: An Aid to Knowledge of our Wild Flowers and their Insect Visitors. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. 
• Bay Books. P. 2005. The A-Z of Garden Flowers.

External links

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/7769240.stm
• http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2078726/Police-swoop-stunned-couple-sniffer-dog-mistakes-legal-garden-plant-cannabis.html

Media related to Phlox subulata at Wikimedia Commons