Botanical Name: Phlox subulata ‘Emerald Pink’

Common Name: Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 3–9)

Size: 4–6" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Mat-Forming, Spreading Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun (Best Flowering); Tolerates Light Shade

Soil: Prefers Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Sandy or Rocky Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Early to Mid-Spring

Fertilizer: Minimal; Light Feeding in Early Spring if Needed

Features: Bright Rose-Pink Flowers, Evergreen Needle-Like Foliage, Excellent Erosion Control, Deer Resistant

Uses: Ideal for Ground Cover, Slopes, Rock Gardens, Edging, and Cascading Over Walls

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

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

More About Creeping Phlox ‘Emerald Pink’

‘Emerald Pink’ is one of those tried-and-true Creeping Phlox varieties that never disappoints. Its vivid rose-pink blooms arrive right when the garden is shaking off Winter, and they cover the plant so completely that the foliage practically disappears. At peak bloom, it looks like someone rolled out a bright pink carpet across the ground, and that burst of color truly feels like the official start of gardening season. It has a cheerful, energizing tone that immediately lifts the landscape after months of muted winter hues.

What sets ‘Emerald Pink’ apart is how uniform and dense the flowering is. You get a solid sheet of pink that reads clean and cohesive from a distance. After the show winds down, the plant settles into a tidy, evergreen mat of fine, needle-like foliage that keeps beds looking structured and intentional all year long. That low, spreading habit makes it incredibly useful for filling in bare spots, stabilizing soil, and naturally suppressing weeds without looking heavy or overgrown. It hugs the ground so closely that it almost behaves like a living mulch, but one that actually adds beauty instead of just function.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trial beds, ‘Emerald Pink’ has proven itself to be steady and dependable season after season. We’ve planted it in full sun, in sandy soil, and on slopes where drainage is excellent and it consistently establishes quickly and spreads evenly. Once it’s settled in, it requires very little hands-on care beyond a light trim after bloom to keep it looking sharp. It doesn’t thin out in the center, and it holds its shape beautifully through heat and dry spells as long as the soil drains properly.

From a design standpoint, it’s one of the most versatile pink groundcovers we grow. It performs beautifully cascading over retaining walls, weaving through rock gardens, lining walkways, or covering sunny banks where erosion used to be a concern. Deer typically pass it by in our area, which adds another layer of reliability. I especially love pairing it with tulips and daffodils. The bulbs rise right up through the pink carpet, creating a layered, textured spring display that feels lush but still orderly. Every year when ‘Emerald Pink’ comes into bloom, it brings that bright, optimistic energy that makes the whole garden feel awake again.

Emerald Pink vs. Other Creeping Phlox

Emerald Pink offers a warmer, bolder presence than its counterpart, Emerald Blue. Pink brings a gentle blush tone that feels inviting and romantic in the landscape, while Emerald Blue leans cooler and more calming with its crisp, tranquil color. Where Emerald Pink adds warmth and charm to mixed plantings, Emerald Blue provides balance and cohesion, making it the better choice for gardeners aiming for a cool, serene spring palette.

Compared to Amazing Grace, Emerald Pink adds warmth without sacrificing the clean, polished look the Emerald Series is known for. Emerald Pink is the strongest choice when subtle color and uniform coverage are the priority. Next to Spring® Scarlet, Emerald Pink avoids intensity in favor of a welcoming, garden-friendly tone. For gardeners looking for dependable spring color with a softer, romantic feel, Emerald Pink is the clear choice.