Portulaca grandiflora
rose moss
A spreading annual, with prostrate to ascending reddish stems and small, linear, fleshy green leaves. Single or double flowers that open in the sun are produced in summer, in bright shades of red, pink, yellow or white
Other common names
eleven o'clockKentucky moss
see morelarge-flowered purslane
moss rose
sun plant
wax pink
Mexican rose
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Pink Yellow White | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Portulacaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Bushy
- Genus
Portulaca are slightly succulent annuals with fleshy leaves and cup-shaped flowers in shades of red, purple, pink, yellow and white
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun; thrives in poor, sandy soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown at 13-18°C in mid-spring; plant out after frosts, taking care to minimise root disturbance. Plants may self-seed in place
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Deadhead if seed is not required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free, though seedlings can be susceptible to damping off
Get involved
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