Moss rose – Flowering plants

Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora) is a small, fast-growing, trailing, multi-branched annual with semi-succulent stems and leaves. Moss rose reaches about 6 inches tall with a spread of 12 inches. The reddish stems and the bright green leaves are thick and soft and succulent. The leaves are cylindrical, about an inch long, and pointed to the tips. The blooms are 2.5–3 cm diameter with five petals, variably red, orange, pink, white, and yellow. Various cultivars have been selected for double flowers with extra petals, and for variety in blossom shading. The blossoms are borne on the stem tips, and they open only during bright sunlight, closing at night and on cloudy days. It flourishes best in summers and rainy seasons and can grow throughout the year in a moderate climate but cannot withstand extreme cold.

Scientific Name: Portulaca grandiflora
Common Names: Rose moss, Ten o’clock, Mexican rose, Moss rose, Vietnam Rose, Sun rose, Rockrose, and Moss-rose purslane.

 

 

 

 

How to grow and maintain Moss rose:

Light:
Moss rose prefers full sun to flower. They need 6-8 hours of sunlight to grow. Sun, heat and dry weather bring the best out of this plant.

Soil:
Moss rose prefers average to poor soils, loose, sandy or loamy soil, dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils. It prefers the soil pH level of 5.6 to 6.0 (acidic), 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral).

Temperature:
Rose moss germinate best when soil temperatures are between 70 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit / 21 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Water:
Water the plant just when the top of the soil is dry, as Portulaca grandiflora is a drought-tolerant plant that flourishes in dry, desert-like soil. Utilize a garden hose or watering can water the soil at the base of the plant because water may damage the blooms. To prevent the plant from rotting, always allow the top of the soil to dry between watering. Portulaca rots in soggy soil.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize with a general purpose, high nitrogen fertilizer when first planting, to help them to get a good start. Add a high Phosphorous fertilizer just before blooming. After the use of compost, no further manure is required.

Propagation:
Moss rose can be propagated by stem cuttings or by seeds. Sow seed directly in the garden after last frost date, or start indoors 6-8 weeks earlier. Plants may self-seed.

Pests and Diseases:
No serious insect or disease problems. Look for aphids, which can be controlled by washing off with water or spraying with mild soapy water. Crown rot may occur in poorly-drained soils. Fungus diseases can occur. Use a general purpose fungicide in humid weather, and when problems appear.