Phlox Subulata is cushion or mat-forming, the ‘cushions’ being made up of slender stems clothed with narrow evergreen leaves. Growth is moderately fast, and plants form a neat mound within several years. Masses of tiny, saucer/star-shaped flowers are borne in late spring and early summer in bright to pastel colours. Individually the blooms are small, from 1.5 - 3.5cm across, though produced in profusion so that the plant is smothered in colour. It has a relatively short flowering period, but the foliage is evergreen and makes useful ground cover to prevent weed growth. Often seen as a great evergreen alpine. Selection available in store: Scarlet Flame, Candy Stripes, Fort Hill, McDaniels Cushion, White Delight.