Portulaca grandiflora (Moss rose plants )
Portulaca grandiflora (Moss rose) is a flowering species of the Portulacaceae family that originally belonged to Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay, but is widely cultivated in gardens. Some of its common names include rose moss, eleven o’clock, Mexican rose, moss rose, Vietnam rose, sun rose, rock rose, and moss-rose purslane.
Classification Moss rose
Scientific name Portulaca grandiflora
Common Name Portulacaceae, Mexican rose, Moss rose, Sun rose.
Type Family Portulacaceae,
Family Portulacaceae
Native Range Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay
Bloom Time Summer
Colour Pink, red, yellow, white, orange and spotted colors.
Water Drought tolerates
Maintenance Low
Suggested Use Annual, Ground Cover, Naturalize
Soil Poor, sandy, or grave soils
Cultivation of Portulaca grandiflora
Moss rose plants have shallow roots and shall be watered enough during the first weeks of installation till they get established. Once established, this is quite a drought-tolerant plant. Overwatering will cause root decay; hence, good drainage is necessary for the installation of this plant. The Moss rose does not require rich soil; however, proper compost will help in the health and flowering of the plant, though too little fertilizer may cause poor flowering.
Planting seeds
Moss rose can be grown from seed. Seeds for the Mexican rose can be directly planted in the garden or first started indoors to later be set out in containers. Portulaca flowers are somewhat easy to grow and maintain. Because of their tiny size, the seeds shouldn’t be land-covered because they require light to germinate. Seeds can be started indoors eight weeks before the last frost, or one can buy a plant from a nursery for transplanting. It is recommended that the plants be spaced 6 to 12 inches apart to reduce their vulnerability to diseases.
Soil and growing condition
Poor, sandy, or grave soils are good for Mexican rose. Dry and well-draining conditions are highly necessary for its survival. Heavy or compacted soil is not good for its growth. Moss rose prefers full sunlight with arid conditions.
Watering
Moss rose tolerates drought, but does better with regular watering. Overhead irrigation is to be avoided since it breaks off flowers.
Care of Portulaca grandiflora Plants
Moss rose plants bear brilliant, sprawling flowers during the whole summer. These are one of the few annual succulents, which require very little care. However, these are sometimes troubled by root rot, nematodes, and aphids. You can treat it with a hard stream of water or insecticidal soap to control aphids.
-
To prevent root rot in plants, improve the drainage system.
- Early June planting, when the soil temperature has warmed up, will produce mid-summer flowering, with the plants becoming leggy.
- Pinching backside shoots and a small amount of fertilizer can be advantageous. Moss rose plants will rejuvenate with these kinds of care and continue to bloom throughout the summer and into fall.
- This will also prevent the flowers from competing with weeds and other flowers, so be sure to give Mexican roses enough area for an optimal bed.
Read also: How to grow Magnolia flowers. How to grow Gazania flowers. Coriander Growing and care in containers. Plumeria growing and caring guide. Bleeding hearts flowers growing tips. Celery growing in containers. Growing and caring Fittonia plants. Mulberry tree growing at home. Anthurium plant Growing indoors. Growing Kiwi fruits in your garden. 9 easy growing herb for your kitchen garden. Pear trees care tips.
For pin
