How to Prune Creeping Phlox

Creeping phlox, or Phlox subulata, is a low-growing plant that produces a mat of flowers during the spring. Gardeners commonly use it as groundcover in shady areas of the garden. Creeping phlox frequently requires pruning to keep it contained to its desired growing area.

Things You'll Need:

• Garden shears


• Scissors

1. Trim creeping phlox from late spring to early summer. You need to wait until creeping phlox has finished blooming to ensure you don't remove any flower buds. This plant typically completes its flower production in the late spring. You also need to trim creeping phlox before its vines mature in late summer.


2. Cut the stems of creeping phlox to a height between 1 and 3 inches with a pair of garden shears. Ensure you trim the entire mat of this plant.


3. Make the first pass with garden shears. Hold the shears level as you trim to give the creeping phlox an even shape as you make the first pass.


4. Perform the second pass with a pair of scissors. Use this pass to provide the creeping phlox mat with some shape and texture.


5. Brush the cut foliage from the top of the mat to give it a clean appearance.


6. Trim no more than half the length of long vines from creeping phlox, and ensure you don't cut into any brown stems. These stems are mature vines, so cutting them is likely to injure the plant. Creeping phlox tends to become leggy because it frequently sends out long runners.