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.

Plant guide

Moss Rose.

Portulaca grandiflora

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

Also known as Bunga Pukul Sembilan, Eleven-o'clock, Mexican rose, Mexican-rose, Moss-rose, Moss-rose Purslane, Rose Moss, Rose-moss [a Purslane]

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.

At a glance

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

Care

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

Signs it needs repotting

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.

Safety

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.

How to identify it

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

Common problems

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.

Growing it

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

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

Cuttings

Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional).
Insert the cuttings into moist potting mix or sandy soil.
Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm location with bright, indirect light.
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.

Grows well with

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.

Keep away from

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.

Similar species

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

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

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

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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'.

Good to know

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.

Is your moss rose looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.