Use & Care NotesCompanion Plants
Purple Sprite Phlox: Purple Stars That Stay Put Along Lavender
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Purple Sprite creeping phlox is a hybrid spring phlox that covers itself in bright purple, star-shaped flowers, each with five notched petals and a tiny white halo at the center. It blooms about a week after typical creeping phlox, carrying spring color into mid-May.
The best part for tidy gardeners: it forms a low, compact mound that spreads slowly rather than running across the bed. Along the edge of a lavender planting, it stays where you put it.
Purple Sprite at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Phlox 'Purple Sprite' |
| Flowers | Bright purple stars, about three-quarters of an inch, with a tiny white halo |
| Foliage | Small, narrow, green |
| Size | 6 to 8 inches tall, 18 to 22 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early May, peaks mid-May |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun; tolerates very light shade |
| Wildlife | Visited by butterflies and bees; moderately deer resistant |
A purple preview
Lavender's purple does not arrive until summer. Purple Sprite gives you a preview in May: a low line of bright purple stars right where the lavender will bloom later. When the phlox finishes, its neat green mound settles in as a quiet edging under the lavender spikes. Up close, the flowers carry a faint, sweet scent.
Because it stays mounded, it is ideal for small spaces, rock gardens, the edge of a raised lavender bed and the gaps between stepping stones. Plant it a short step in front of lavender so the crowns keep their airflow. Lay it out in the Companion Plant Planner.
Care made simple
- Soil: lean to average and well drained. Good drainage prevents most phlox problems.
- Water: it handles dry spells once established. In very hot, dry spells, water occasionally so the mound does not brown out.
- After bloom: a light trim keeps it compact.
- Airflow: avoid overhead watering and crowding; dense, wet mounds can brown in the center. Watch for spider mites in hot, dry weather.
Winter
Purple Sprite is hardy in Michigan, and its foliage stays green or bronzes over winter. Do not pile mulch or fallen leaves on it, and trim out any winter-browned patches in spring.
About the plug tray
Purple Sprite is offered as a 72-cell plug tray, enough to edge a long lavender bed or cover a slope. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
How is Purple Sprite different from regular creeping phlox?
It blooms about a week later and stays in a compact mound that spreads slowly by short rhizomes, rather than running across the bed.
Can I pair it with an earlier phlox?
Yes. Combine it with an April bloomer like Pink Sparkles and you can stretch phlox color from mid-April through mid-May.
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