Moss rose - Portulaca grandiflora (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Moss rose

Also known as: Eleven O'Clock, Moss-Rose Purslane, Sun rose, Vietnam rose

Moss rose is an ornamental flowering semi-succulent plant native to South America. Gardeners can cultivate this easy-to-grow plant in annual flowerbeds, in containers, or in hanging baskets because of its trailing habit. Different cultivars have been selected and propagated for achieving striking variations in color, shape, and petal number of the flowers.

Scientific classification

Species

Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Annual, Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer

Harvest Time

7 cm to 30 cm

Plant Height

25 cm to 37 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 6 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Red, Pink, Orange, Purple

Flower Color

Red, Burgundy

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Images of Moss rose

Distribution of Moss rose

Distribution Map

Moss rose is native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Uruguay. It has become naturalized in North America, parts of central Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It grows in all types of temperate biomes and spreads easily, but it is particularly found in sandy soils and in small spaces like gaps in sidewalks.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Roadsides, waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

The moss rose is valued for the way it grows voraciously and easily, requiring little in the way of maintenance or care, and blooms vibrant, appealing flowers in multiple colors. Often used for front borders, it is suitable for succulent and rock gardens due to its water-retaining abilities. Moss rose looks particularly striking next to Creeping zinnia or silver plants like Dusty miller or 'Silver Mound' Globe amaranth.

Symbolism

compassion, exaltedness, a confession of love

Interesting Facts

Carl Linnaeus came up with the botanical name for the genus Portulaca. The name was derived from the seed capsules that, as Linnaeus observed, opened like a gate. 'Portula' is the Latin word, meaning 'little gate'.

Name Story

Moss rose: Portulaca grandiflora is commonly called moss rose, which is quite descriptive of this plant's key ornamental features for being ruffled, rose-like flowers appearing on prostrate to slightly ascending stems that form a moss-like foliage mat.

Ten o'clock: The magical characteristic of this plant is that it seems like it can tell time. This is seen commonly as it blooms in the early morning at ten o'clock, but it is also limited to bright sunlight days. If it is rainy or night time, it will not sprout flowers. Hence, it is called ten o'clock.

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Toxicity

Moss rose poses a moderate toxicity risk to cats and dogs. Ingestion of any part of moss rose can cause distress in cats, with symptoms such as behavioral changes and discomfort. Dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Pet owners should monitor their animals and seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.

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Quickly Identify Moss rose

Dense, matting growth habit up to 8 inches (20 cm) in height and 1 foot (30 cm) in width.

Distinctive, fleshy, narrow leaves with reddish tinge in direct sunlight, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.

Vibrantly colored flowers in red, orange, yellow, and white, displaying various forms.

Ruffled, rose-like flowers with heart-shaped petals in groups of five, closing at night.

Unique, iridescent blue-grey seeds in quaint, rounded capsules that split upon maturity.

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Care Guide for Moss rose

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from hot, dry climates, moss rose thrives with moderate watering twice weekly and full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant, conserving water in its fleshy leaves and stems, making it ideal for arid conditions.

Fertilize: Fertilize moss rose bi-weekly during the growing season with half-strength succulent or cacti food to enhance blooms. Avoid fertilizing in dormancy and resume in spring. Follow packaging instructions, avoid over-fertilizing, and adjust based on the plant's response for optimal health.

Pruning: Moss rose requires prompt pruning during the growing season to maintain ornamental value; remove crossed and dense branches. In late fall, prune old leaves for better ventilation. When repotting, eliminate rotten and excessive roots for optimal health.

Propagation: Moss rose is a succulent groundcover featuring multicolored flowers. Propagation is best achieved through stem cuttings: trim, allow the cut to callous, and plant in well-draining soil. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, and use bright, indirect light to encourage rooting and growth.

Repotting: Moss rose requires biennial repotting in early spring for optimal growth. Use a pot one size larger and well-draining soil. Moderate watering after repotting fosters recovery and blooms. Remember, patience is essential as moss rose adapts to its new environment.

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