Portulaca grandiflora

RHS Plant Profile
rose moss

Other common names

eleven o'clock, Kentucky moss, large-flowered purslane, moss rose, sun plant, wax pink, Mexican rose

Annual Biennial Cactus Succulent

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Portulacaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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