Moss pink displays at Hitsujiyama Park, Saitama Prefecture, Japan

Pretty in pink. Hitsujiyama Park, Saitama Prefecture, Japan

Phlox subulata is known by many names. While some call it moss pink, others call it creeping phlox, flowering moss, or mountain phlox. No matter what name you know it by, you cannot deny the beauty and charm of these tiny perennial flowers. They bloom in spring and add bright splashes of color wherever they grow.

This plant's small flowers and carpet-like growth pattern give the appearance of moss; hence, the name. Japan's Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu is known for shibazakura, as it's known in Japanese. When these flowers are in full bloom, they cover the rolling hills in the park and offer a breathtaking horticultural view.