Moss Rose
Portulaca grandiflora
A low, succulent annual with needle-like leaves and vivid rose-like flowers that open in bright sun, moss rose thrives in hot, dry, poor soils.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low; drought-tolerant
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Moss rose is a sprawling, succulent annual that turns harsh, sun-baked spots into carpets of jewel-toned bloom. Its fleshy, cylindrical leaves store water, letting it shrug off heat and drought that would kill most flowers.
The ruffled, often double flowers come in nearly every warm color and a few cool ones. Many varieties close in cloudy weather and late in the day, opening fully only in strong sunshine.
How to identify it
- Habit: Low, spreading mat 4-8 in tall and up to 12 in wide
- Leaves: Fleshy, needle- or paddle-shaped, succulent, often reddish at the base
- Flowers: Cup-shaped, single or double, 1-2 in, resembling tiny roses
- Colors: Red, pink, orange, yellow, white, magenta
- Behavior: Flowers open in bright sun and close when overcast or in evening
Care & growing
Light: Full, direct sun is required for flowers to open.
Water: Very drought-tolerant; water sparingly and let soil dry fully.
Soil: Sandy, gritty, sharply drained soil; tolerates poor, dry ground.
Temperature: Loves heat and resents cold, damp conditions.
Feeding: Little to none; rich soil produces foliage at the expense of flowers.
Propagation: Easy from seed surface-sown in warmth, or from stem cuttings; often self-sows.
Habitat & origin
Native to southern Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, where it grows on dry, sandy, and rocky ground.
It is grown worldwide as a heat- and drought-tolerant ornamental for rock gardens, hot slopes, containers, and the fronts of dry borders, and has naturalized in many warm regions.
Uses & benefits
Ornamental: Ideal for xeriscapes, rock gardens, hanging baskets, hot driveways, and any low-water spot in full sun.
Practical: Excellent erosion control and ground cover for dry banks where little else will grow.
Ecological: Bees and other pollinators visit the open blooms.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my moss rose flowers open?
The blooms need strong direct sun. On cloudy days or in shade they stay closed, and they also close in late afternoon.
How often should I water moss rose?
Rarely. It is a succulent that prefers to dry out completely between waterings; overwatering causes rot.
Does moss rose reseed itself?
Yes, it often self-sows and returns from seed in warm climates, though seedlings may differ from the parent.
Is moss rose toxic?
It can cause digestive upset if eaten in quantity and contains oxalates, so it is best kept away from pets and children.
Moss Rose guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Moss Rose.
