Portulaca grandiflora, commonly called moss rose, is a low-growing succulent with delicate flowers that bloom in summer through fall. Moss rose is an annual that grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 11. Grow moss rose in rock gardens, stone walls, hanging baskets or as a ground cover.
Moss rose grows 3 to 9 inches tall with a spread of 6 to 12 inches. The fleshy leaves grow low to the ground, forming a moss like ground cover. In summer through fall, moss rose blooms in shades of red, purple, orange, yellow, white, salmon, lavender and rose colors. The flowers closely resemble small rose blooms. When not in bloom, moss rose still provides visual interest with mossy green leaves growing along red stems close to the ground.
Moss rose needs full sun, at least six hours per day. Like other succulents, it tolerates heat and thrives in dry soil conditions, making it ideal for rock gardens and rock walls. This plant grows well in containers and hanging baskets, where the spreading growth can spill over the edges. While moss rose thrives in the dry soil of rock gardens, you can also grow this succulent in moist soil as long as the area provides good drainage.
Moss rose is grown from seeds sown directly in the garden or by starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before planting time. For minimum fuss, moss rose starts are available at garden centers, ready to plant directly in the garden. Although drought tolerant, the new plants and seeds require regular moisture for the first few weeks.
Planting Time by Zone
Planting times for moss rose vary depending on the specific USDA plant hardiness zone. In zone 8, planting time is May through July. In zone 9, you can plant moss rose in May through October, and in zone 11, it can be planted as late as November. Moss rose is frost tender and will die back at the first freeze in winter. In frost-free areas it will grow through the winter months. In all climate zones, moss rose is likely to self-propagate from seed, but for a reliable ground cover, plant on replanting from seed or starts each year.