Moss Rose Portulaca ‘Samba Purple’

Portulaca grandiflora ‘Samba Purple’

Characteristics

Culture

Moss rose is an early, uniformly growing plant with compact growth habit, green foliage and large flowers that bloom in an array of colors. The plant grows up to 6″ high and spreads to 12″ wide.  Easily grown in poor to average, dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant.  Its heat loving and drought resistant characteristics make it a superb plant for late Spring and Summer weather. ‘Samba Purple’ features a bright flowers amidst its green trailing foliage. It blooms repeatedly all summer long. It has average watering needs so simply water regularly. It series sets blooms 10-14 days earlier than most varieties. This annual is an excellent performer that requires very low maintenance.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Portulaca grandiflora is commonly called moss rose, which is quite descriptive of this plant’s key ornamental features: ruffled, rose-like flowers (to 1” diameter) appearing on prostrate to slightly ascending stems that form a moss-like foliage mat. This annual is a succulent that typically grows to 6-12” tall and spreads to 24” wide or more. Flowers bloom summer to frost and come in single, semi-double or double forms in colors including red, rose, orange, yellow, white and pastel shades thereof. Flowers do not open on cloudy or rainy days. Cylindrical, fleshy, medium green leaves (to 1” long) appear in clusters along reddish stems.  Samba Rose Portulaca plants feature large almost neon pink/purple blooms that explode over fleshy, green foliage

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for aphids. Crown rot may occur in poorly-drained soils.

Garden Uses

Good for poor dry soils where many other plants struggle. Edging or ground cover for beds, rock gardens or along walks. Containers, hanging baskets. Sprawl over stone walls.