Overwintering guide
How to overwinter phlox subulata 'emerald blue'
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills phlox subulata 'emerald blue' in winter
Cutting phlox subulata 'emerald blue' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More phlox subulata 'emerald blue' care
- Overwintering moss phlox — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Full phlox subulata 'emerald blue' care guide
- Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue' temperature range
- How often to water phlox subulata 'emerald blue'
- How to prune phlox subulata 'emerald blue'
- Common phlox subulata 'emerald blue' problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering phlox subulata 'emerald blue' — FAQ
Does phlox subulata 'emerald blue' need to come indoors for winter?
Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 3 — winter lows around -40°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue' is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move phlox subulata 'emerald blue' for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water phlox subulata 'emerald blue' in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills phlox subulata 'emerald blue' over winter?
Cutting phlox subulata 'emerald blue' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.