Botanical Name: Phlox subulata ‘Candy Stripe’ Common Name: Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 3–9 Size: 4–6" Tall × 18–24" Spread Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Mat-Forming, Spreading Habit Sunlight: Full Sun Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Sandy or Rocky Conditions Water Needs: Low Once Established; Drought Tolerant Bloom Season: Early to Mid Spring Fertilizer: Light Feeding in Spring; Avoid Excess Fertility Features: Pink-and-White Striped Flowers, Evergreen Needle-Like Foliage, Excellent Groundcover, Deer Resistant Uses: Slopes, Rock Gardens, Borders, Edging, Groundcover, Walls & Pathways

Patent: ❌ Not Patented Propagation: ✔ Propagation Permitted

More About Phlox subulata ‘Candy Stripe’

Phlox subulata ‘Candy Stripe’ is one of the most recognizable creeping phlox varieties, valued for its distinctive pink-and-white striped flowers that resemble classic peppermint candy. When in bloom, the plant forms a dense, colorful mat that completely blankets the foliage.

The evergreen, needle-like foliage provides year-round interest and texture, making this variety useful beyond its spring bloom window. It spreads steadily to fill space without becoming invasive.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Candy Stripe’ has been a dependable spring bloomer, thriving in full sun and well-drained soils with minimal maintenance. It performs especially well on slopes, retaining walls, and rocky areas where drainage is excellent.

We appreciate its strong visual impact in early spring, when few other groundcovers are in flower, and its resistance to deer browsing.

Candy Stripe vs. Other Creeping Phlox

Candy Stripe stands apart for its playful pink-and-white striped blooms, prioritizing pattern and contrast over solid color saturation. Compared to Purple Beauty, Candy Stripe feels lighter and more decorative, making it less dominant but more visually expressive. Candy Stripe is the strongest choice when novelty and visual interest are the main goals.

When contrasted with Amazing Grace, Candy Stripe is busier and more ornamental, while Amazing Grace remains calm and classic. Next to Emerald Pink, Candy Stripe trades uniformity for personality, making it better suited for focal areas, smaller plantings, or spots where visual interest and pattern are meant to stand out rather than blend seamlessly into the landscape.