Portulaca grandiflora (Moss Rose)

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.