Mojave Yellow Portulaca
Portulaca umbraticola 'Mojave Yellow'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
4 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Americas
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Portulaca umbraticola, commonly known as Moss Rose, is a prostrate, succulent annual with vibrant, fleshy leaves and striking, bright yellow flowers that bloom profusely in warm, sunny conditions. The Mojave Yellow cultivar is distinguished by its intensely vivid yellow flowers, adding a cheerful splash of color and exceptional drought tolerance to sunny borders and rock gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in spring.
- Water lightly until germination, about 2 weeks.
- Place in full sun for best flowering performance.
- Allow soil to dry between watering to prevent rot.
- Fertilize monthly with a cactus or succulent fertilizer.
- Pinch back to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining sandy soil and avoid overwatering for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water sparingly during droughts 🌱
- Provide full sun for vibrant blooms
- Fertilize monthly with cactus fertilizer
- Pinch back to promote bushiness
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Plant in heavy clay soil
- Expose to excessive shade
- Fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizer
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
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 Yellow Portulaca questions
What zones can Mojave Yellow Portulaca grow in?
Mojave Yellow Portulaca is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Mojave Yellow Portulaca deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Mojave Yellow Portulaca, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Mojave Yellow Portulaca bloom?
Mojave Yellow 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 Yellow Portulaca need full sun?
Mojave Yellow Portulaca does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Mojave Yellow Portulaca drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mojave Yellow 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
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Mojave Yellow 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.
