Portulaca (Moss Rose)

Portulaca grandiflora

Portulaca flowers close every night and reopen in morning sun — making it a living clock for parts of the world without reliable sunrise alarms. The trait gave it the common name 'eleven-o'clocks' in some Spanish-speaking regions.

Design with portulaca (moss rose)Find companion plants

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USDA Zones

2-11 (annual)

Sun

full sun

Water

low

Mature Size

3-9 in tall, 6-12 in wide

Growth Rate

fast

Family

Portulacaceae

Care guide

How to care for portulaca (moss rose)

Direct-sow on top of soil after frost — seeds are tiny and need light to germinate; don't cover. Flowers close on cloudy days and at night. Thrives in poor sandy soil; rich soil produces lush foliage and few blooms.

Garden uses & design ideas

Best garden use

Use portulaca as a low, colorful carpet along hot paths, gravel edges, raised beds, and patio pots where thirsty annuals fade. Its trailing habit helps soften hard paving without stealing water from Mediterranean herbs or succulents.

Pair it with

Succulents, Zinnia, Marigold make easy companion choices because they share similar light, water, or visual texture needs.

Layout tip

Match it with full sun exposure, group it with other low-water plants so one irrigation zone can stay lean, and check USDA zones 2-11 (annual) before planting. Use the garden planner to test spacing around its mature size: 3-9 in tall, 6-12 in wide. Regional note: Treat as a warm-season annual in frost zones and keep it in sharply drained soil; shade or rich, wet beds lead to weak growth and fewer open flowers.

Gardener note — Double-check local invasive, edible, and toxicity guidance with your county extension office before planting around pets, children, or natural areas. Regional note: Treat as a warm-season annual in frost zones and keep it in sharply drained soil; shade or rich, wet beds lead to weak growth and fewer open flowers. Safety note: Choose ornamental placements rather than edible beds unless you have identified the exact species and local guidance; keep seedlings controlled in warm climates where self-sowing can surprise tidy borders.

Companion plants

Portulaca (Moss Rose) grows well alongside these — similar light, water, and texture needs.

SucculentsZinnia MarigoldVinca

Common pests & problems

essentially pest-free; deer- and drought-resistant

Where it grows best

Native to South America (Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina); thrives in USDA hardiness zones 2-11 (annual).

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Frequently asked about portulaca (moss rose)

What USDA zones does Portulaca (Moss Rose) grow in?+

Portulaca (Moss Rose) is hardy in USDA zones 2-11 (annual). Outside these zones, it can usually be grown indoors or as a seasonal annual.

How much sun does Portulaca (Moss Rose) need?+

Portulaca (Moss Rose) prefers full sun. Place it where it gets that light most of the day for best growth and flowering.

How often should I water Portulaca (Moss Rose)?+

Portulaca (Moss Rose) has low water needs. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Direct-sow on top of soil after frost — seeds are tiny and need light to germinate; don't cover. Flowers close on cloudy days and at night. Thrives in poor sandy soil; rich soil produces lush foliage and few blooms.

How big does Portulaca (Moss Rose) get?+

Portulaca (Moss Rose) reaches a mature size of 3-9 in tall, 6-12 in wide. Growth rate is fast, so plan spacing accordingly when planting.

What plants grow well with Portulaca (Moss Rose)?+

Portulaca (Moss Rose) pairs well with Succulents, Zinnia, Marigold, Vinca. These companions share similar care requirements and don't compete aggressively for resources.

What pests affect Portulaca (Moss Rose)?+

Common Portulaca (Moss Rose) problems include essentially pest-free; deer- and drought-resistant. Catching early signs in routine inspection prevents most damage.

When does Portulaca (Moss Rose) bloom?+

Portulaca (Moss Rose) blooms in early summer to first frost in red, pink, yellow, orange, white, magenta. Deadheading spent flowers (where applicable) often encourages a longer bloom window.