Phlox x procumbens is the botanical name given to Phlox subulata x Phlox stolonifera hybrids. While these two phlox have been reported to hybridize even in nature, very few cultivars of Phlox x procumbens exist. Our new introduction will add to the palette. Phlox 'Pink Profusion' definitely lives up to its name as our trial plants have bloomed for as long as eight weeks, commencing in mid to late March and extending well into June in northern Illinois (USDA Zone 5). The flowers are quite large for a P. x procumbens, 1¼ inches wide with broad overlapping petals, and the oversized blossoms can completely cover the plant at peak bloom. The petals are an attractive deep purplish pink, and the flowers have a conspicuous deep reddish- purple center eye surrounded by a white halo. Two- year-old plants grew to 13 inches wide by 8 inches tall in bloom and 3 inches tall out of bloom.

Like other true Phlox x procumbens selections, Phlox 'Pink Profusion' produces a dense mass of central stems in the spring, which after blooming become lax on the ground and may or may not layer in to form irregularly spreading mats. Plants may die back during the summer, but will produce a profusion of blooming stems anew the following spring. These plants are best grown in full sun to partial shade in moist but well-drained soil amended with organic matter. Grow this plant at the front of perennial borders, in dappled shade gardens, or on moist slopes. It is readily propagated by shoot tip cuttings taken from new growth in spring to early summer.

Phlox x procumbens 'Pink Profusion' was developed by Dr. Jim Ault at the Chicago Botanic Garden from a cross made in 2007 between a large, pink-flowered selection of Phlox subulata and a pink-flowered seedling of Phlox stolonifera.

USDA Zones 5 to 8.

Click here to download Plant Bulletin PDF