annual

Rose Moss

The Story

Plant Bio

Portulaca grandiflora, commonly known as rose moss, is a low-growing, succulent annual with a sprawling, multi-branched habit and fleshy, needle-like leaves. The cup-shaped flowers open only in bright sunshine, closing on cloudy days and at night to reveal brilliant jewel-toned petals surrounding numerous yellow stamens.

This species features reddish to burgundy stems with conspicuous white, hair-like bristles at the leaf nodes. The thick, moisture-storing foliage frequently develops a bronze or reddish tinge when exposed to intense, full sun.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a continuous display of brilliant, jewel-toned flowers over a low-growing, succulent carpet.

Provides excellent, drought-tolerant groundcover in hot, sandy, or rocky soils where other bedding plants fail.

Attracts small native bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators to dry, sunny garden spots.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

Width

12"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Annual (Perennial in zones 9-11)

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives at least six to eight hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily.
Amend heavy soil with coarse sand or gravel to ensure rapid, exceptional drainage.
Sow seeds directly after the last frost, or transplant nursery plugs without disturbing the delicate root systems.
Water sparingly during establishment, then rely on natural rainfall except during prolonged, severe droughts.

Pro Tip

Plant in poor, sandy, or gravelly soil with exceptional drainage; planting in rich, heavy clay or overwatering will cause the fleshy stems to rot instantly.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in the sunniest spot available to ensure the flowers open fully.
Use highly porous, sandy, or rocky soil mixes.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate excess foliage at the expense of blooms.
Do not water late in the day, as wet foliage overnight encourages stem rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensBorder edgingGroundcoverContainer plantingsDry stone wallsHanging baskets

Companion Plants

Sedum pulchellum Phyla nodiflora Echeveria Sempervivum tectorum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rose Moss questions

What zones can Rose Moss grow in?

Rose Moss is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Rose Moss deer resistant?

Yes — Rose Moss is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Rose Moss bloom?

Rose Moss typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Rose Moss need full sun?

Rose Moss does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Rose Moss drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Rose Moss handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.