Moss rose

Portulaca grandiflora · Family Portulacaceae

Also known as: portulaca, rose moss, sun plant

Light: Full sun
Watering: Every 5 days
Difficulty: Easy
Pet-safe: No, keep it away from cats and dogs

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Care

Where to put it

A hot, sunny windowsill, rockery or patio container.

Light

Full sun. The flowers only open properly in bright sunshine.

Watering

Water when the compost has dried out. Its fleshy leaves store water.

About the plant

A low-growing plant with fleshy leaves and vivid pink, yellow, orange, red and white flowers. It copes with heat and drought and covers beds and shallow pots well. Great for very sunny spots.

Origin

Native to southern South America, including southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, in sandy soils.

What it likes

Full sun all day
Sandy, free-draining soil
Moderate watering

What it dislikes

Shade
Soggy soil
Cold

Did you know?

Its flowers open in strong sun, around late morning, and close on cloudy days; its Brazilian name means 'eleven o'clock'.