Also known as Moss Rose · 91 saves
Portulaca
Portulaca, the genus most gardeners know as moss rose. We track 10 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 10 most-saved Portulaca varieties
3 species of Portulaca
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Portulaca in Sow
Save the Portulaca you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Portulaca
Whats common across all Portulaca varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 10 most-grown of them.
The Portulaca year
- PlantMay and June100% of varieties
Plant transplants or sow seeds after all danger of frost has passed and soil is warm.
- FertilizeJune and July80% of varieties
Apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer twice during the summer for best blooming.
- PropagateJune–September40% of varieties
Easily root stem cuttings in moist soil during the warm season.
- DeadheadJuly–October40% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to limit aggressive self-seeding
- Check for PestsJune–August30% of varieties
Inspect the succulent stems for aphids and spider mites during hot, dry spells.
Do
- Provide full sun for vibrant blooms
- Water sparingly during drought conditions 🌱
- Water infrequently but deeply 🌱
- Provide full sun for vibrant foliage
- Fertilize monthly with a succulent-specific fertilizer
Avoid
- Plant in heavy clay soil
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Portulaca
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on stems | Apply neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on the fleshy foliage and a dusty, stippled appearance on the leaves during hot, dry weather. | Increase ventilation and spray the foliage with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. |
| Deer and rabbits | Occasional browsing of succulent stems and tips. | Install physical fencing or apply commercial repellents around the planting perimeter. |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root and stem rot | Stems turn mushy, blacken at the base, and collapse, rapidly killing the plant. | Ensure strict soil drainage, avoid overhead irrigation, and discard infected plants immediately. |
| Powdery mildew | A white, powdery fungal coating on the succulent leaves and stems in humid, stagnant conditions. | Space plants to improve air circulation and water only at the soil level. |
Making more Portulaca
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist, sandy soil in spring
- Keep soil lightly moist for 1 week
- Place in full sun for germination
- Germination occurs in 7–14 days
Cuttings
- Snip healthy stem segments in late spring
- Allow cuttings to callus for 1–2 days
- Plant in well-drained soil
- Water lightly after planting
- Roots develop in 2–4 weeks
Portulaca questions
How many types of Portulaca are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 10 distinct Portulaca varieties. The most popular — ranked by 91 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Portulaca grow in?
Across its varieties, Portulaca covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Portulaca bloom?
Most Portulaca varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer, summer to frost. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Portulaca should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.