Portulaca
( port - yew - LAY - kuh )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of annual flowering herbaceous plants needs full sun and moderate to regular water. They are low-growers, and somewhat fleshy-foliaged plants, many of which have bright flowers. Their foliage can be used in cooking and as an addition to salads. Blooms last from late spring until the first frost of the year, the individual flowers opening in the morning light and closing by about midday. These plants are wonderful for parking strips and rock gardens. They also do well in hanging baskets or as edgings or bank covers.
|
Portulaca Species and Varietals
Portulaca grandiflora (Rose Moss) This species is native to South America and reaches 6 inches tall and 1.5 feet wide. Trailing reddish stems are covered with leaves and small flowers that can come in white, red, cerise, rose-pink, orange, and yellow. These plants are available in both single and multi-color varieties and as single or double blooms. All varieties will self-sow but tend to revert to the parent strain. Strains include 'Sundance', 'Afternoon Delight' (both of which stay open for longer in the afternoon) and 'Sunseeker' (which has larger blooms). |
Portulaca oleracea (Purselane) Native to India, this species is edible, and has small yellow flowers and plump, succulent leaves. Stems and leaves can be added to salads, soups and sauces. Improved varieties are commonly sold as the species, and are wonderful additions to edible gardens. These plants may need some harsh controlling to avoid becoming invasive. |
Portulaca Wildfire Hybrids This group represents a strain of Portulaca umbraticola (though it is commonly sold under other names), and is great for hot-summer climates. They reach a few inches tall and spread to 2 feet wide. Single flowers are red, pink, lavender, orange, yellow, peach, white or a combination of two colors. Each bloom lasts for only a day but is quickly replaced. In frost-free areas, these plants will return season after season. |
Caring for Portulaca
Portulaca plants are not fussy about soil.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
|
Propagating camellias
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 525 - 526, Portulaca
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!