#623 Portulaca grandiflora Common Names: moss rose, rose moss, sun plant, portulaca Family: Portulacaceae (purslane Family) Get link to this Profile or click for Datasheet

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink - at least not for the portulacas in this planter box on Steve's dock. It takes tough guys like portulaca to survive the sunny, hot and windy exposure they get sitting 5 ft (1.5 m) above Lake Talquin, northeast of Tallahassee, Florida.

There are several strains, cultivars and mixes available. Many have double flowers and some are up to 3 in (7.6 cm) across. 'Sundance' has double flowers to 2 in (5 cm) across. The Sundial series cultivars bloom in cooler and cloudier weather with double flowers in a wide variety of colors. 'Afternoon Delight' stays open longer in the afternoon.

A rainbow of single flowered moss rose stands out against the dark lake water.

Culture
Moss rose grows well in poor, sandy or gravelly soils. The soil must be very well-drained. It can be bothered by root-knot nematodes and aphids. Aphids can be washed off with a stream of water or sprayed with soapy water. There's not much you can do about root-knot nematodes except to grow plants that are resistant.
Light: Needs full sun to flower.
Moisture: Drought tolerant, but flowers best with regular watering. Don't water with overhead irrigation, which can damage the flowers.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-11. Plant seeds or set out moss rose plants after all danger of frost has passed.
Propagation: Sow seeds in place. They are as tiny as dust, so mix them with sand before sowing to make them easier to scatter. In warm climates, moss rose may self-seed.

Usage
Moss rose makes a beautiful ground cover in a dry or rocky area, although it cannot be walked on. Use moss rose as edging at the front of borders or in the cracks in a rock wall, or the spaces between stepping stones. It's perfect for a hot, dry, south facing slope. Plant moss rose in a container or hanging basket and let it spill over like a sedum.

Many beautiful selections are available such as this double flowered 'Sundial Peach' seen here at home on an Ohio hillside.

The related purslane (P. oleracea) is a bothersome weed in warm climates, although it is widely cultivated for food and has been for more than 2000 years. In fact, purslane, which is used raw in salads and cooked like spinach as a potherb, is very high in vitamins A, B1 and C. It is available commercially in both ornamental and culinary cultivars.

Steve Christman 12/16/99; updated 6/25/03, 9/11/03

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