Phlox, Candy Stripe

Phlox, ‘Candy Stripe’ – Phlox subulata
‘Candy Stripe’ is a stunning variety of creeping phlox known for its eye-catching pink-and-white striped blooms that blanket the ground in early spring. Each star-shaped flower features a crisp white base with a bold pink stripe down the center of each petal, giving a peppermint-candy effect that adds brightness and charm to rock gardens, slopes, walls, and borders.

As a native North American ground cover, Phlox subulata thrives in dry, sunny areas and forms dense, evergreen mats of needle-like foliage. It’s a superb erosion control plant, a reliable source of early nectar for pollinators, and an excellent choice for mass planting in low-maintenance, regenerative landscapes.

Key Characteristics

• Brilliant Striped Blooms in Early Spring
  ‘Candy Stripe’ lights up the landscape with bi-colored blooms from April to May, often covering the entire plant in a carpet of pink and white. It’s one of the first perennials to bloom, bridging the gap between winter and spring.

• Evergreen Ground Cover and Erosion Control
  This variety creates a dense, low-growing mat that suppresses weeds and helps stabilize soil on slopes, banks, and retaining walls. Foliage remains evergreen in mild winters, adding year-round texture.

• Attracts Pollinators Early in the Season
  The nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and early-emerging pollinators. Especially valuable for supporting insect activity before many other flowers bloom.

• Thrives in Dry, Sunny Conditions
  Once established, ‘Candy Stripe’ is drought-tolerant and performs well in rocky or sandy soils with good drainage. Ideal for xeriscapes, rock gardens, and sunny borders.

• Low Maintenance and Long-Lived
  Requires little care after establishment. Trim lightly after blooming to maintain a tidy shape and encourage denser growth next season.

Product Details

• Plant life cycle: Perennial

• Sun requirements: Full sun

• Soil requirements: Dry to medium, well-drained (prefers sandy or rocky soil)

• Mature height: 4–6 inches

• Spread: 18–24 inches

• Bloom time: April–May

• Bloom color: White with pink stripes

• Foliage: Evergreen

• USDA Hardiness zones: 3–9

• Native range: Eastern and central United States

‘Candy Stripe’ phlox brings vibrant early-season color, erosion control, and pollinator support to sunny gardens. A top pick for rock gardens, slopes, and regenerative designs.