Moss rose (portulaca) Portulaca grandiflora
Moss rose (portulaca) (Portulaca grandiflora) is an annual flowering plant in the Portulacaceae family, native to South America (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay). It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Moss rose (portulaca) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Moss rose (portulaca) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Portulacaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–10 weeks after planting, for 13–21 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 70 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South America (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Moss rose (portulaca) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: foliage
Related purslane contains soluble oxalates that irritate the mouth and stomach; this species is not specifically documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Moss rose (portulaca)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Moss rose (portulaca)
- How far apart should I plant Moss rose (portulaca)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Moss rose (portulaca) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Moss rose (portulaca) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Moss rose (portulaca)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Moss rose (portulaca) flower?
- About 6–10 weeks after planting, for 13–21 weeks.
- Is Moss rose (portulaca) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Related purslane contains soluble oxalates that irritate the mouth and stomach; this species is not specifically documented.
- What grows well with Moss rose (portulaca)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Moss rose (portulaca). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Flowers close in shade and overcast weather; self-seeds in warm climates.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Purslane Portulaca oleracea
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Foxglove Digitalis purpurea