Mojave Red Purslane
Portulaca umbraticola 'Mojave Red'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
6 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic to pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Portulaca umbraticola, commonly known as Wingpod Purslane, is a low-growing, heat-loving succulent. It features sprawling stems, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves, and vibrant flowers that open in the sun and typically close at night or on cloudy days. The Mojave Red cultivar features striking, deep crimson flowers that create a bold contrast against its glossy green foliage, thriving in drought-prone environments with minimal water requirements.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in spring
- Water lightly until germination, about 1 week
- Place in full sun for best color development
- Allow soil to dry between watering to prevent rot
- Fertilize monthly with a diluted succulent fertilizer
- Pinch back to encourage bushier growth after flowering
Pro Tip
Use sandy, well-draining soil and avoid overwatering for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water sparingly during drought conditions 🌱
- Provide full sun for vibrant foliage
- Fertilize monthly with a succulent-specific fertilizer
- Pinch to promote bushiness
Don't
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Plant in heavy clay soil
- Expose to excessive humidity
- Shade the plant
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Mojave Red Purslane questions
What zones can Mojave Red Purslane grow in?
Mojave Red Purslane is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Mojave Red Purslane deer resistant?
Yes — Mojave Red Purslane is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Mojave Red Purslane bloom?
Mojave Red Purslane typically blooms in summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Mojave Red Purslane need full sun?
Mojave Red Purslane does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Mojave Red Purslane drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mojave Red Purslane handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Portulaca to compare
Portulaca Double Magenta
Portulaca oleracea 'ColorBlast Double Magenta'
Portulaca Double Coconut
Portulaca oleracea 'ColorBlast Double Coconut'
Common Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
Mojave Fuchsia Purslane
Portulaca umbraticola 'Mojave Fuchsia'
Portulaca Double Yellow
Portulaca oleracea 'ColorBlast Double Yellow'
Mojave Tangerine Portulaca
Portulaca umbraticola 'Mojave Tangerine'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Mojave Red Purslane with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
