Greetings from the world of Portulaca! We are a diverse genus of succulent plants, often called moss roses or purslanes, cherished for our vibrant, satiny flowers and remarkable drought tolerance. Our popularity in US gardens stems from our ability to thrive in hot, sunny, and often neglected areas, providing a continuous cascade of color from late spring until the first frost. We offer a spectrum of hues and forms, but several of our varieties have become particularly beloved by American gardeners.
This is the species that most gardeners envision. We are characterized by our needle-like, fleshy green leaves that form a low, spreading mat, reminiscent of moss—hence the common name. Our flowers are our crowning glory: single, semi-double, or double blooms that open wide to greet the sun and often close on cloudy days or in the evening. The color palette is extensive, including brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, white, and purple. We are the foundation of many garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets, prized for our non-stop blooming habit and heat-loving nature.
Within the P. grandiflora species, we, the Sundial varieties, represent a significant horticultural advancement. Our key improvement is our photoperiod-insensitivity. Unlike our classic relatives, our flowers remain open for longer periods, even on overcast days or in the late afternoon, maximizing your garden's visual impact. We also exhibit superior heat tolerance and a more uniform, trailing growth habit. The Sundial series comes in a wide array of colors, including the stunning ‘Sundial Peach’ and the vibrant ‘Sundial Orange’, making us a top choice for reliable, all-day color.
We are another improved hybrid series of P. grandiflora, competing closely with the Sundial series. We are celebrated for our exceptionally large, semi-double to double flowers that bloom prolifically and open early in the day. Our growth is vigorous and well-branched, creating a dense carpet of foliage smothered in blooms. We are known for our resilience in the summer heat and our ability to flower without deadheading. The Happy Hour series offers a rich selection of colors, from pastels to deep, vivid tones, ensuring a vibrant display.
While often considered a weed in lawns, we have a cultivated, ornamental role to play. Gardeners value specific cultivars of P. oleracea for their unique foliage. The variety ‘Purslane Red’ is a standout, featuring striking reddish-purple stems and leaves that provide a beautiful contrast to other green plants and brightly colored flowers. Our growth habit is low and spreading, making us an excellent groundcover or a "spiller" element in container combinations. We are just as tough and drought-tolerant as our flowering cousins, offering textural interest even when not in bloom.
We are a distinct species, easily identified by the unique winged capsules that hold our seeds. Our flowers are typically smaller than those of P. grandiflora but are produced in incredible abundance. We form a low, mounding habit and our foliage can range from green to a lovely bronze shade. Varieties like the ‘Yubi Summer Joy’ series are known for their profusion of jewel-toned flowers that create a solid blanket of color. We are exceptionally adaptable and thrive in poor, sandy soils where other plants might struggle.
