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Guide botanique

Moss Rose.

Portulaca grandiflora

Prononciation por-too-LAH-kah grand-ih-FLOR-uh

Aussi appelée Bunga Pukul Sembilan, Eleven-o'clock, Mexican rose, Mexican-rose, Moss-rose, Moss-rose Purslane, Rose Moss, Rose-moss [a Purslane]

moss rose
Photo de Guillermo Debandi (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Moss Rose is a low-growing, spreading annual that produces a spectacular display of colorful, rose-like flowers. It's a fantastic choice for hot, dry areas and is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers.

En un coup d'œil

Care level
Easy
Plant type
Annual flowering plant
Light
Full sun
Indoor light
direct
Water
Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size
6 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide
Growth rate
fast
Hardiness
USDA 2 to 11
Bloom time
Late spring to fall

Entretien

This plant thrives in heat and full sun, tolerating poor, dry soils like a champ. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry, and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Deadheading isn't necessary as it naturally sheds spent blooms.

Watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Drought tolerant once established.
Feeding
Fertilize sparingly once at the beginning of the growing season for best results.
Pruning
Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Repotting
As an annual, it's typically grown for one season and not repotted.
Soil
Well-draining soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0)
Temperature
10 to 35°C
Humidity
20 to 50%
Drought tolerance
high
Lifespan
Annual
Deer and rabbits
high

Signes qu'il faut rempoter

  • Roots growing out of drainage holes.
  • Plant dries out very quickly after watering.
  • Slowed growth or reduced flowering.
  • Visible salt or mineral buildup on the soil surface.

Sécurité

People
This plant is not considered toxic to humans.
Pets
Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children
No specific safety concerns for children, but ingestion of any non-food plant material should be discouraged.
Contact allergens
No significant contact allergens are noted.
Airborne allergens
Pollen may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
Edibility
While some sources suggest the leaves and stems are edible, it's best to avoid consuming this plant unless you are absolutely certain of its identification and preparation.

Comment l'identifier

  • Low growing, spreading habit
  • Succulent, needle-like leaves
  • Brightly colored, rose-like flowers
  • Flowers open in sun, close at night
  • Annual, reseeds readily
Height
0.15 to 0.3m
Spread
0.3 to 0.45m
Leaves
Green, evergreen
Flowers
Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, White, Salmon, 2.5 to 5cm

Problèmes courants

  • Root rot Can occur in overly wet or poorly draining soil, especially in containers.
  • Aphids Small, sap-sucking insects that can weaken the plant and distort growth.
  • Spider mites Tiny arachnids that thrive in hot, dry conditions, causing stippling on leaves.

La cultiver

Propagation
Seed, Cuttings
When to plant
Spring
Overwintering
As an annual, Portulaca grandiflora does not overwinter in colder climates. In frost-free regions, it may self-seed or perennialize if conditions are right, but it's typically treated as a seasonal bloomer.
In containers
Excellent for containers, especially shallow ones like window boxes or troughs, as they appreciate good drainage.

Seed Starting

  1. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
  2. Lightly cover seeds with fine soil or vermiculite; they need light to germinate.
  3. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy until germination, which usually takes 10-21 days.
  4. Once seedlings have a few true leaves, transplant them into their final location, spacing about 6-12 inches apart.
  5. Water regularly until established, then reduce watering as the plant is drought tolerant.

Cuttings

  1. Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.
  2. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional).
  3. Insert the cuttings into moist potting mix or sandy soil.
  4. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm location with bright, indirect light.
  5. Roots should form within a few weeks; once established, transplant as desired.

Pair Portulaca grandiflora with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants that prefer well-draining soil for the best results.

Bonnes associations

  • Marigold Marigolds can help deter some common pests that might bother Portulaca.
  • Zinnia Zinnias share similar sun and soil needs and create a colorful display together.
  • Petunia Petunias complement the low-growing habit of Portulaca with their mounding or trailing forms.
  • Lavender Lavender's drought tolerance and similar sun requirements make it a good companion, and its fragrance can deter pests.

À éloigner de

  • Plants requiring consistently moist soil Portulaca grandiflora needs well-draining soil and will suffer from root rot if kept too wet.
  • Plants needing shade This plant requires full sun to bloom well and maintain its vigor.

Espèces similaires

  • Purslane Purslane is a close relative, also a succulent groundcover, but often considered a weed and has smaller flowers.
  • Ice Plant Ice plants are also succulents that spread as groundcovers and tolerate dry conditions, but have different flower forms.

Science

Family
Portulacaceae
Genus
Portulaca
Order
Caryophyllales
Class
Magnoliopsida
Native range
Southern South America (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay).
Conservation
Not of conservation concern.

It colonizes open, disturbed areas with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.

Value to wildlife
nectar source
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Uses
ornamental, groundcover

Au fil des saisons

JFMAMJJASOND
Flowering
Fruiting
Foliage

Repères écologiques

Salinity
3/9
Soil reaction
7/9
Light
9/9
Temperature
8/9
Moisture
2/9
Nutrients
3/9

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

How much sun does Portulaca grandiflora need?
It thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
What kind of soil is best?
Well-draining soil is crucial; it prefers sandy or gritty mixes and does not like to stay wet.
How often should I water it?
Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, but allow it to dry out between waterings.
Can it be grown in containers?
Yes, it's excellent for containers, hanging baskets, and rock gardens.
Does it need fertilizer?
It generally doesn't require heavy feeding; a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season is sufficient.

D'où vient le nom

The genus name 'Portulaca' comes from the Latin word 'portare', meaning 'to carry', possibly referring to its edible qualities. 'Grandiflora' is Latin for 'large-flowered'.

Bon à savoir

  • Also known as 'Moss Rose' or 'Eleven O'Clock'.
  • It's a succulent, storing water in its leaves and stems.
  • Comes in a wide array of vibrant colors.
  • Drought tolerant once established.

Ton moss rose a mauvaise mine ?

Cette page est un guide général. Pocket Botanist diagnostique les problèmes directement à partir d'une photo de ta plante, adapte l'arrosage à sa luminosité et te prévient quand il faut t'en occuper.

Télécharger l'appli

Ce guide a été généré par IA et vérifié avec la taxonomie du GBIF. Il s'agit d'informations générales, et non de conseils horticoles ou vétérinaires. Découvre comment nous concevons ces guides.