Moss rose
Also known as
Sun rose, Portulaca, Eleven o'clock, Mexican rose
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Portulaca grandiflora, commonly called moss rose, is a low, mat-forming succulent prized for its nonstop, vividly colored blooms in hot, sunny conditions. Native to southern South America, it grows 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) tall and 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide, with fleshy, cylindrical leaves that store water and help it shrug off drought. Single or double, rose-like flowers appear in shades of pink, orange, red, yellow, white, and bicolors, often with contrasting centers. Classic forms open mainly in full sun and close at night or on cloudy days, though many modern cultivars stay open longer. Floriferous and heat-loving, it thrives in poor, sandy soils where other bedding plants struggle, making it ideal for rock gardens, seaside sites, edging, and containers or hanging baskets that drain quickly. It’s typically grown as a warm-season annual but can persist year to year in frost-free climates. Easy from seed or stem cuttings, it attracts pollinators and delivers brilliant color with minimal care.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Moss rose
Water
Treat moss rose like a succulent. Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry well before the next watering—typically every 5–10 days outdoors in summer, more often in small or porous containers, and less in cool or cloudy weather. Always ensure free drainage and empty saucers. Morning watering helps flowers and foliage dry quickly. Overwatering leads to lanky growth and rot, while a brief dry spell is tolerated with minimal impact on bloom once rehydrated.
Light
Provide full sun for 6–8+ hours daily; intense, direct midday sun promotes compact habit and abundant flowers. Shade or insufficient light reduces bloom and causes legginess. On bright patios and sunny, south-facing exposures it excels. Indoors, place in the sunniest window (south or west) or supplement with a high-output grow light for 12–14 hours. Avoid dense shade and sites where surrounding plants cast prolonged shadows.
Nutrients
Moss rose is a light feeder. Mix a small amount of slow-release, balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 5-10-10) into the potting mix at planting, or feed with a half-strength liquid bloom formula every 4–6 weeks during peak growth. Avoid high nitrogen, which drives leafy growth at the expense of flowers. In very poor soils, a light monthly feed is sufficient; in containers, leach salts by watering deeply occasionally.
Temperature
Best performance occurs in sustained warmth: 70–90°F (21–32°C) by day. It tolerates heat exceeding 100°F (38°C) if soil drains well and air circulates. Growth slows below 60°F (16°C). It is frost-tender; temperatures near 40–45°F (4–7°C) can damage tissue, and freezing will kill plants. In cool climates, plant after the last frost and protect containers from cold nights. Indoors, keep above 55–60°F (13–16°C) with low humidity and strong light.
