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Portulaca grandiflora (Moss Rose)

Moss Rose, Rose Moss, Eleven o'clock, Mexican Rose, Vietnam Rose, Sun Rose, Rock Rose

Portulaca grandiflora, Rose Moss, Eleven o'clock, Mexican Rose, Moss Rose, Vietnam Rose, Sun Rose, Rock Rose, Drought tolerant perennials, Yellow perennial flowers, Red perennial flowers, succulent, Low maintenance perennial, perennial ground cover
Portulaca grandiflora, Rose Moss, Eleven o'clock, Mexican Rose, Moss Rose, Vietnam Rose, Sun Rose, Rock Rose, Drought tolerant perennials, Yellow perennial flowers, Red perennial flowers, succulent, Low maintenance perennial, perennial ground cover
Portulaca grandiflora, Rose Moss, Eleven o'clock, Mexican Rose, Moss Rose, Vietnam Rose, Sun Rose, Rock Rose, Drought tolerant perennials, Yellow perennial flowers, Red perennial flowers, succulent, Low maintenance perennial, perennial ground cover

Portulaca grandiflora (Moss Rose) is a colorful annual plant which creates a stunning carpet of attractive succulent foliage, covered with a profusion of brightly colored, single, semi-double or double, ruffled flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm). Blooming from late spring to frost, the flowers open their crepe paper petals on sunny days and close at night or when it is cloudy. They are available in pink, violet, white, red, salmon, orange or yellow. Bright green, the fleshy, needle-like, succulent leaves are borne in clusters along reddish stems. A perfect plant for hot, dry, sunny borders or containers.

  • Quickly forms a dense mat. Grows up to 3-6 in. tall (7-15 cm) and spreads to 10-15 in. (25-37 cm) or more. This plant self-seeds readily without being invasive.
  • Thrives in full sun in dry to moderately moist, poor to average, well-drained soils. Tolerates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Good drainage is essential to survival. This plant needs hot, dry conditions, but otherwise is not fussy. Drought tolerant once established but performs best with regular food and water.
  • Easy to grow, Moss Rose is an excellent addition to sunny border fronts, rock gardens or naturalized areas. Moss Rose makes a lovely ground cover or edger, looks great when sprawling over a stone wall, and is perfect for containers or hanging baskets.
  • No serious insect or disease issues. May be occasionally affected by aphids or crown rot if the soil is poorly-drained.
  • Deadhead to reduce self-seeding if not desired.
  • Propagate by seed – Scatter seeds outdoors where desired after frost danger has passed, or start them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. They do not like transplanting, so handle seedlings carefully.
  • Native to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay.

Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 12
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals, Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Portulacaceae
Genus Portulaca
Common names Rock Rose, Rose Moss, Moss Rose, Mexican Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3" - 6"
(8cm - 15cm)
Spread 10" - 2'
(25cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Sesuvium portulacastrum (Sea Purslane)
Portulaca oleracea (Purslane)

Recommended Companion Plants

Ageratum houstonianum ‘Blue Horizon’ (Floss Flower)
Gomphrena globosa ‘Fireworks’ (Globe Amaranth)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 12
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals, Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Portulacaceae
Genus Portulaca
Common names Rock Rose, Rose Moss, Moss Rose, Mexican Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3" - 6"
(8cm - 15cm)
Spread 10" - 2'
(25cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Portulaca (Purslane) to pick?
Compare Now

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