Botanical Name: Phlox subulata ‘Drummond’s Pink’

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: Bright Rose-Pink Flowers, Evergreen Needle-Like Foliage, Excellent Groundcover, Deer Resistant’

Uses: Slopes, Rock Gardens, Borders, Edging, Groundcover, Walls & Pathway

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Permitted

See our complete Creeping Phlox Plant Guide for full care details.

More About Phlox subulata ‘Drummond’s Pink’

Phlox subulata ‘Drummond’s Pink’ is one of those old, dependable Creeping Phlox varieties that has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s the kind of plant gardeners have relied on for decades because it simply does what it promises, every single Spring. This variety carries a deep, clear rose-pink tone that reads strong from a distance and doesn’t get lost in the landscape. Instead of a pastel haze, you get a saturated wave of color that commands attention in early Spring. When it flowers, the plant transforms into a low, glowing ribbon of pink that can define the edge of a bed or spill dramatically over a wall, creating crisp lines of color that anchor the space.

The blooms themselves are slightly larger and more uniform in color than some striped or bi-colored varieties, giving the overall display a cleaner, more modern look. That consistency makes it especially effective in more structured garden designs where bold blocks of color are preferred. There’s no variegation or striping to distract the eye — just a solid sweep of vibrant pink that feels intentional and bold. Once the bloom cycle finishes, the tight, evergreen foliage forms a dense cushion that stays compact and refined through Summer and Winter. It’s especially useful where you want year-round groundcover that doesn’t look coarse or messy, maintaining a polished appearance even outside its flowering window.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Drummond’s Pink’ has shown impressive resilience in some of our hottest, most exposed beds. We’ve planted it in full, all-day sun along gravel pathways where reflected heat can stress other perennials, and it has held its form beautifully. Even during stretches of dry weather, it keeps a fresh appearance as long as the soil drains properly. It doesn’t stretch, it doesn’t thin out in the center, and it doesn’t sulk when conditions turn dry, provided the soil drains well.

What sets it apart for me is how clean the bloom presentation is. That uniformity gives it a strong visual presence without feeling busy or chaotic. When it flowers, it looks like one unified sheet of color rather than scattered blossoms over green foliage. That makes it incredibly effective for mass plantings where you want impact without visual clutter. I’ve also noticed it establishes quickly but doesn’t try to outcompete its neighbors, making it easy to pair with bulbs like tulips or daffodils that emerge right through it. Year after year, it gives us a strong, saturated Spring show without demanding constant maintenance and that balance of beauty and reliability is exactly what I look for in a groundcover.

Drummond’s Pink vs. Other Creeping Phlox

Drummond’s Pink takes a more relaxed, traditional approach to spring color, offering a soft, medium pink that feels natural rather than highly refined or bred for intensity. Where Purple Beauty and Spring® Scarlet are designed to command attention, Drummond’s Pink blends quietly into the landscape, creating an easy, informal look that feels at home in established gardens. Compared to the tighter, more uniform Emerald Pink, its growth and color read looser and more organic, which many gardeners associate with classic, time-tested groundcovers.

When placed alongside Spring® Scarlet, Drummond’s Pink avoids the sharp contrast and visual heat of red tones, allowing it to mix effortlessly with bulbs, perennials, and early shrubs. And compared to Candy Stripe, it skips novelty and pattern in favor of consistency and familiarity. For gardeners who value a natural, lived-in garden feel and want creeping phlox that settles in gracefully rather than standing out, Drummond’s Pink remains a dependable and enduring choice.