The Spring® Dark Leaf Pink creeping Phlox is a true star of spring, offering a visual spectacle of rare intensity. This vigorous groundcover is distinguished by its dark, almost bronze foliage, which beautifully highlights an explosion of vibrant pink flowers. Its early flowering and creeping habit make it the ideal candidate for awakening gardens after winter, creating carpets of saturated colors where few plants still dare to venture.

Characteristics

• Foliage : Stands out with small, needle-like, very dark green leaves tinged with purple or bronze, particularly intense during cool periods.
• Flowering : Produces a dense cover of five-petaled, vibrant neon pink flowers from mid-spring.
• Light : Requires full sun to maintain the dark coloration of its foliage and ensure optimal flowering.
• Habit : Creeping and spreading, forming a dense and uniform cushion that conforms to the shape of the ground.
• Growth : Moderate growth, forming a sprawling mat about 10 to 15 cm high.
• Soil : Requires light, sandy, and above all very well-drained soil. It dislikes excess winter moisture.
• Temperature : Excellent hardiness (Zone 3).
• Resistances : Tolerates drought well once established and effectively resists light foot traffic.

Use

• Types of use : Perfect for rock gardens, on top of a stone wall, along a path, or as a groundcover to stabilize a sunny slope.
• Decorative advantages : The contrast between the electric pink of the flowers and the dark foliage creates a much stronger visual impact than traditional varieties.

Maintenance

• Watering: Water regularly during the first year of planting. Thereafter, it tolerates periods of drought but appreciates water during heatwaves.
• Fertilization : Apply a phosphorus-rich granular fertilizer at the very beginning of spring to stimulate flowering.
• Pruning : Lightly prune the foliage by half immediately after flowering to encourage dense growth and maintain a compact habit.
• Planting : Space plants 30 cm apart to allow the mat to join without suffocating the roots.
• Winter Protection: Generally requires no protection, but avoid areas where water stagnates during snowmelt.