Care of the plant Portulaca grandiflora or Moss Rose |
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The genus Portulaca, family Portulacaceae, includes more than 50 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants native to tropical and temperate regions of all continents. Some species are: Portulaca grandiflora, Portulaca oleracea, Portulaca quadrifida, Portulaca umbraticola, Portulaca lutea, Portulaca bicolor. Common names: Moss Rose, Mexican rose, Portulaca, Purslane, Rose Moss, Sun Plant, Rock rose or Eleven o'clock. This species is native to Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. They are perennial herbaceous plants with a creeping bearing that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. The succulent leaves are cylindrical in shape and greyish-green in color. The abundant and showy flowers are single or double and red, yellow, orange, pink or white. They bloom in summer. The flowers open during the day and close at sunset. In addition, the corollas last a single day, compensating for it with a continuous and abundant flowering. The fruits are small capsules that produce many seeds. They are used in borders, mixed borders, rockeries and pots for patios, terraces and balconies. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. The Portulaca grandiflora needs full sun exposure. It does not resist frost. The ideal annual average temperature is 15-25 ºC (59-77 ºF). The soil should be very well drained, sandy, and contain some organic matter. Planting is done in early spring. Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has dried almost completely. They resist well a few days of drought. Fertilize in summer every 15 days with mineral fertilizer rich in phosphorus. They do not need pruning. They are usually grown as annual plants and after flowering the plants are pulled up. The leaves can be attacked by snails and insects. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring or fall directly to their final location. |
Images of the plant Portulaca grandiflora or Moss Rose |
 Portulaca grandiflora  Portulaca grandiflora |