Moss Rose / Portulaca Flowering Plant - Portulaca Grandiflora

Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora) is a popular flowering annual succulent, perfect for ground cover and container gardens. Native to South America, this heat-loving plant blooms with vibrant colors and requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners looking to buy plants online and create stunning, drought-tolerant displays.

🌞 Growing & Care Guide for Moss Rose (Common Names: Moss Rose, Mexican Rose, Portulaca)

  • Botanical Name: Portulaca grandiflora

  • Family: Portulacaceae

  • Plant Type: Annual succulent

  • Mature Size: 3–9 in. tall, 6–12 in. wide

  • Sun Exposure: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily)

  • Soil Type: Sandy, well-drained

  • Soil pH: Neutral to acidic

  • Bloom Time: Summer to fall

  • Flower Color: White, orange, yellow, red, pink

  • Hardiness Zones: 2–11 (USDA)

  • Native Area: South America

  • Toxicity: Toxic to pets

☀️ Sunlight & Soil

  • Requires full sun to bloom beautifully—6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

  • Thrives in sandy, rocky, or well-drained soils; avoid clay soils as they retain moisture.

  • Containers made of terra-cotta or clay help wick moisture and improve drainage.

  • Poor, dry soil is tolerated, making moss rose perfect for rock gardens, borders, and walkways.

💧 Watering

  • Low moisture needs; water once a week during dry, hot periods.

  • Overwatering leads to root rot and yellow leaves—ensure the soil dries slightly between watering.

  • Use well-drained soil to prevent sogginess; repot if needed to ensure proper moisture levels.

• Avoid watering at night or during cloudy weather to prevent decay.

🌱 Fertilization

  • Tolerates lean soil but benefits from slow-release fertilizer at planting.

  • Use phosphorous-rich fertilizers twice during the growing season to encourage blooming.

  • Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause burned or brown leaf edges.

✂️ Pruning

  • Requires minimal pruning—remove dead or diseased growth in early spring before new shoots emerge.

  • Thinning dense plants improves airflow and reduces fungal issues.

  • Deadheading is unnecessary, as flowers drop on their own.

🍂 Mulching

  • A light mulch of sand or bark can help retain moisture without suffocating the roots.

  • Avoid heavy mulch or wet environments that encourage root rot.

🐛 Pest & Disease Control

  • Generally pest-resistant but may be affected by aphids, especially in spring.

  • Yellowing or sticky leaves indicate aphid infestations—treat with insecticidal soap.

  • Avoid excess watering, as it can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.

🌱 Support for Young Plants

  • Propagate easily from cuttings—4-inch stems root within two weeks in well-drained soil.

  • Seeds can be started indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or planted after frost outdoors.

  • Keep seedlings in bright areas and water only when the top inch of soil is dry.

🍎 Harvesting

  • Moss rose is grown for ornamental blooms, not harvesting.

   • Flowers bloom from summer to first frost, making them ideal for seasonal decoration.

🍃 Thinning

  • Thin out overcrowded patches in early spring to enhance airflow.

  • Removing dead or damaged parts prevents disease and promotes healthier growth.

❄️ Winter Protection

  • Frost tender—dies back during winter in colder zones.

  • Can be treated as an annual or grown in containers that can be brought indoors in cooler months.

  • Protect from frost to avoid damage.

🌸 Advantages of Choosing Moss Rose for Your Garden

   🌼 Vibrant, Long-Lasting Flowers – Produces colorful blooms throughout summer and fall without deadheading.

  🌞 Thrives in Full Sun – Performs well in hot, dry conditions where other plants might fail, making it perfect for sunny patios and borders.

  🌿 Low Maintenance & Drought-Tolerant – Needs minimal watering and care, ideal for gardeners wanting hassle-free plants.

  🦋 Perfect for Decorative Displays – Works beautifully in containers, borders, and rock gardens, adding charm and color.

  🌱 Easy Propagation – Grows quickly from cuttings or seeds, allowing you to expand your collection effortlessly.

  🧪 Resilient to Pests and Poor Soils – Thrives in sandy and dry soils with little need for chemicals or fertilizers.

  🚫 Avoids Overwatering Problems – Well-drained soils and proper watering techniques prevent root rot and fungal diseases.

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Note: Each plant is beautifully unique! The images shown are for reference to give you an idea of the general appearance and quality. While your plant may vary slightly in shape and size, you can refer to the third picture for reference.