Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Rose Sprite Phlox: A Well-Behaved Mound of Pink Stars
Save
Rose Sprite phlox is a hybrid spring phlox that behaves itself. Instead of running across the bed, it forms a low, compact mound about 6 to 8 inches tall and 18 to 22 inches wide. In May it is covered in star-shaped, rose-pink flowers with notched petals, a tiny white halo and fine dark purple marks at the center, all on wine-colored stems.
Rose Sprite at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Phlox 'Rose Sprite' |
| Flowers | Rose-pink stars with a tiny white halo, about 3/4 inch |
| Foliage | Small, narrow, green; wine-colored stems |
| Size | 6 to 8 inches tall, 18 to 22 inches wide |
| Bloom | Early to mid-May |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun to very light shade |
| Habit | Neat mound that does not run |
Why a mounding phlox suits lavender
Classic creeping phlox can spread into wide mats that eventually push up against lavender crowns and trap moisture there. Rose Sprite stays put. That makes it a good fit for small beds, narrow borders and the space between lavender plants, where you want spring color without a groundcover that wanders.
It also blooms about a week later than typical creeping phlox, in early to mid-May. Pair it with an April-blooming phlox along the same edge and you get a relay of pink from April into late May, leading up to the first lavender buds. Map it out in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Site: full sun, or very light shade, in lean to average, well-drained soil.
- Water: regularly while young; established plants handle dry spells. Water occasionally in very hot, dry weather.
- Trimming: a light trim right after bloom keeps the mound compact.
- Mildew: it was selected for exceptional powdery mildew resistance.
- Problems: rot in wet, heavy soil and spider mites in hot, dry spells. Avoid overhead watering.
Winter care
Rose Sprite is hardy in Michigan, and its foliage stays green or bronzes over winter. Sharp drainage does more good than mulch, so rake leaves off the mound in fall and do not cover it. Snip out any winter-browned bits in spring.
Other good spots
Its small, tidy size suits rock gardens, the edge of a patio and containers. Plant it where you can see the flowers up close; the white halo and purple markings are easy to miss from across the yard. Bees and butterflies visit it in spring.
Frequently asked questions
Will it spread like other creeping phlox?
Not much. It grows into a low mound rather than a running mat, so it is easy to keep in its spot.
How is it offered?
As a full 72-cell plug tray, a handy size for edging several beds at once. See the product page for current availability.
Do deer eat it?
It is moderately deer resistant. In heavy deer areas, young plants may get nibbled.
Share how it went in your field