Claytonia perfoliata

RHS Plant Profile
spring beauty

Other common names

Cuban spinach, Cuban winter purslane, miner's lettuce, winter purslane

Synonyms

Montia perfoliata

Annual Biennial

A freely self-seeding, annual wildflower of North America, with slightly succulent stems and leaves, In spring and summer, tiny white flowers are carried in clusters above the uppermost, saucer-like leaf. Winter purslane is sometimes cultivated as a salad crop

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Montiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Claytonia are annuals or perennials, deciduous or evergreen, with fleshy leaves and small pink or white flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
W N America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free