How to prune phlox subulata 'emerald blue'

Immediately after spring flowering (typically late April to May). Use garden shears to cut the entire mat back by one-third once most flowers have faded. This encourages fresh, compact foliage regrowth across the whole plant. Avoid cutting back into old, bare woody stems at the base of the mat.

Once annually after spring flowering. Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue' (creeping phlox) should be sheared back by about one-third immediately after its spring flowering. This keeps the mat dense and compact, prevents leggy bare patches in the centre, and may prompt a light secondary flush of bloom. Beyond this annual shear, it needs little pruning.

Use garden shears to cut the entire mat back by one-third once most flowers have faded. This encourages fresh, compact foliage regrowth across the whole plant. Avoid cutting back into old, bare woody stems at the base of the mat.