Portulaca
Portulaca
Portulaca grandiflora
Also known as: garden portulaca, cultivated purslane, garden purslane, moss-rose, rose-moss
- Annuals Beds and Borders
Rose moss, or Portulaca grandiflora, is a tender succulent perennial. Its fleshy, bright green leaves form a low-growing mat with tiny yellow flowers appearing at the tips of stems in the summer months. Due to its compact size and towering blooms, rose moss is often used in rock gardens, hanging baskets, and as a ground cover in sunny or partially shaded areas. It tolerates heat and drought well, and can actually benefit from being let dry out between periods of watering. Rose moss is an easy to maintain and beautiful addition to any outdoor space.
- Native status
- Introduced
Care guides
Watering
Rose Moss (Portulaca grandiflora) is best watered early in the morning. During dry spells, it should receive an inch of water weekly. Aim to water the soil, not the plant itself, to avoid leaf fungal diseases. Make sure the soil is dry to the touch before watering to ensure the plant is receiving only what it needs. Overwatering can cause the leaves to yellow and the stems to rot. During hot breezy days, it's best to mist the plant periodically to help it retain moisture.
Sunlight
Rose moss thrives best in direct sunlight, and it needs several hours of sunlight every day for optimal growth. It requires 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day, which means it should be situated in an area where it receives direct sunlight every morning and late afternoon, preferable from 8am-4pm. It should be avoided in shady areas, as this could affect its growth and flowering potential. It enjoys the sunniest part of your garden, even during the heat of the day.
Pruning
Rose moss should be pruned annually in the spring or early summer. The best time to prune the plant is as soon as the old blooms have faded and before new buds begin to form. Pruning should only remove any dead or unhealthy branches. The plant does not need to be pruned heavily, but lightly to control its size and shape. You can also prune the plant to encourage a fuller shape and new growth. Pruning should be done using sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the stems and leaves on the plant.