That's a nice plant Sheila. I have one myself in bubble gum pink. Love how it spreads along the ground choking out weeds and stays green all winter. It doesn't mind being buried under 3 feet of snow. When I divided my phlox, it never had much of a root system to speak of anyway. Just very fine roots. They do prefer a dry sunny location.

Thank you Paul. I also have others spreading in the borders, I’m just a bit baffled why these haven’t made any progress. I don’t think I can plant them out until they have a bit more root.

I know the growing season is winding down, but I would consider re-potting it with fresh new compost and keep moist. Whatever it's in now might be depleted of phosphorous which is necessary for root development. When it comes to fertilizer, I would hold off until early spring just when it wakes up - and go for a balanced mix.

Would multi-purpose compost contain phosphorus?

Yes it does and it's organic as opposed to made in a lab.

Many thanks.

I think they have been too hot in the greenhouse so any decent growth has been checked. they are fully hardy so I would plant them out while the soil is still warm. I have often found plants with small root systems from mail order plants.

Thanks Eileen for the encouragement. Ok, I will get them in while the soil is amenable.

After you plant it out - a lite 'haircut' will promote more flowers in the Spring.

Maybe when they’ve grown a bit Paul, but they’re still tiny. Thanks anyway 🙂.