Mojave Tangerine Portulaca
Portulaca umbraticola 'Mojave Tangerine'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
6 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun
Water
Low
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Portulaca umbraticola, commonly known as Moss Rose, is a low-growing, succulent annual with vibrant, fleshy foliage and bright, showy flowers that range from orange to tangerine hues, thriving in sunny, well-drained conditions. The Mojave Tangerine cultivar is distinguished by its intensely vivid orange flowers that provide a striking contrast against its lush green foliage, making it particularly eye-catching in summer gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in full sun.
- Mist cuttings lightly to encourage rooting.
- Water sparingly once established, avoiding overwatering.
- Fertilize monthly with cactus or succulent fertilizer.
- Divide plants in spring to promote growth.
- Mulch lightly to conserve moisture.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil is well-draining to prevent root rot; avoid overwatering.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water infrequently but deeply 🌱
- Provide full sun for best blooms
- Use cactus fertilizer monthly
Don't
- Overwater or keep in standing water ❌
- Plant in heavy clay soil
- Expose to too much shade
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
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 Tangerine Portulaca questions
What zones can Mojave Tangerine Portulaca grow in?
Mojave Tangerine Portulaca 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 Tangerine Portulaca deer resistant?
Yes — Mojave Tangerine Portulaca is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Mojave Tangerine Portulaca bloom?
Mojave Tangerine Portulaca typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Mojave Tangerine Portulaca need full sun?
Mojave Tangerine Portulaca does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Mojave Tangerine Portulaca drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mojave Tangerine Portulaca 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 Red Purslane
Portulaca umbraticola 'Mojave Red'
Mojave Fuchsia Purslane
Portulaca umbraticola 'Mojave Fuchsia'
Portulaca Double Yellow
Portulaca oleracea 'ColorBlast Double Yellow'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Mojave Tangerine Portulaca 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.
