Species rose moss
red-orange flowers with pink-purple buds, green leaves and pink-brown stems

rose moss

Portulaca grandiflora

Rose moss, or Portulaca grandiflora, is a tender succulent perennial. Its fleshy, bright green leaves form a low-growing mat with tiny yellow flowers appearing at the tips of stems in the summer months. Due to its compact size and towering blooms, rose moss is often used in rock gardens, hanging baskets, and as a ground cover in sunny or partially shaded areas. It tolerates heat and drought well, and can actually benefit from being let dry out between periods of watering. Rose moss is an easy to maintain and beautiful addition to any outdoor space.

Cycle:

Annual

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 11

Flowers:

Red, rose, orange, yellow or white Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Rocky , gravelly , dry, Well-drained

Fruits:

brown,black Fruits In Autumn Ready In Summer

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Rose Moss (Portulaca grandiflora) is best watered early in the morning. During dry spells, it should receive an inch of water weekly. Aim to water the soil, not the plant itself, to avoid leaf fungal diseases. Make sure the soil is dry to the touch before watering to ensure the plant is receiving only what it needs. Overwatering can cause the leaves to yellow and the stems to rot. During hot breezy days, it's best to mist the plant periodically to help it retain moisture.

sunlight

Rose moss thrives best in direct sunlight, and it needs several hours of sunlight every day for optimal growth. It requires 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day, which means it should be situated in an area where it receives direct sunlight every morning and late afternoon, preferable from 8am-4pm. It should be avoided in shady areas, as this could affect its growth and flowering potential. It enjoys the sunniest part of your garden, even during the heat of the day.

pruning

Rose moss should be pruned annually in the spring or early summer. The best time to prune the plant is as soon as the old blooms have faded and before new buds begin to form. Pruning should only remove any dead or unhealthy branches. The plant does not need to be pruned heavily, but lightly to control its size and shape. You can also prune the plant to encourage a fuller shape and new growth. Pruning should be done using sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the stems and leaves on the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Portulaca grandiflora typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Portulaca grandiflora typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Portulaca grandiflora is typically harvested from June to August.

Hardiness Map