Phlox douglasii Waterloo

The calcicolous Phlox douglasii 'Waterloo', also known as Dwarf Phlox or Moss Phlox, is a hardy evergreen perennial that forms a pleasant cushion of small crimson-pink flowers in spring. It is a ground cover plant well suited to sunny and semi-shaded rockeries.

Originating from the North American mountains and belonging to the Polemoniaceae family, the Phlox douglasii 'Waterloo' is a ground cover with dense, pointed, but non-prickly foliage composed of small dark green lanceolate leaves. From May to June, this Phlox develops large flower heads with compound flowers consisting of 5 petals in a beautiful crimson-pink colour, tending towards red. Short peduncles carry them. It is a plant with a spreading habit that reaches a height of 20 cm (8in) and a width of 30 cm (12in), but if the conditions are suitable, it can spread over an area of ​​over 1m2 over time.

It thrives in intense sunlight or under light shade, in a light, slightly dry to slightly moist humus-rich soil. It is a plant that, although not strictly calcicolous, tolerates limestone.

Hardy to at least -15°C (5°F) and somewhat resistant, the Phlox douglasii can still be affected by powdery mildew in low light and confined situations.

In the garden, you can plant it at the edge of a flower bed to highlight its design or in a rockery, wall or gravel garden alongside the Rock Cress and Dwarf Asters.