Portulaca Happy Hour™ Deep Red

Portulaca grandiflora

Characteristics

Culture

Portulaca Happy Hour™ Deep Red is high impact color with its vivid deep red swirled flowers with semi-double blooms. A mounding plant with narrow, green leaves and uniform flowering.  Flower will close at night and during cloudy days. As long as it is exposed to the sun and can avoid wet feet, you should be good to go. Does not appear to be a favored snack for deer.  Portulacas prefer dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. This plant is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Portulaca is commonly known as Moss Rose. The ‘Happy Hour™’ series, was bred for reduced photoperiod requirement so it will bloom earlier, particularly in the southern parts of the US. This plant has a fuller habit than most moss roses and has large, double blooms.  It features showy red, double bloom, frilly flowers which bloom from late spring to early fall. Its tiny succulent needle-like leaves remain green in color throughout the season.  Portulaca Happy Hour™ Deep Red is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback.

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.