Moss roses (Portulaca grandiflora) are an easy-to-grow summer flower that require minimal care. They’re a favorite for container gardens and sunny border fronts, as well as in rock gardens or naturalized areas.

Moss roses thrive in sandy and rocky soil, and demand good drainage. If your garden bed has clay soil, grow these plants in containers instead.

Watering

Moss rose (Portulaca) is a beautiful flowering plant that can be grown in many different soil types. It can grow in sandy, rocky and clay soils as long as they are well drained.

Moss roses need regular watering to thrive in their native habitat. However, you should never overwater a moss rose. Overwatering can cause the roots of a moss rose to rot and it will quickly die.

When watering a moss rose, you should only wet the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil. Once the soil has completely dried out, you can stop watering.

Lastly, you should make sure that your moss rose receives plenty of sunlight to thrive. A moss rose needs six to eight hours of direct sun each day for best blooming and growth.

Moss roses can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. They can also be started indoors in the winter for spring growth. If you choose to start them from seeds, scatter the seed on lightly moistened soil. Germination generally takes two weeks.

Fertilization

Portulaca (also known as moss rose or sun rose) is a succulent plant that thrives in heat, sun and periods of drought. It can be grown as a ground cover or a cascade from hanging baskets and containers.

Fertilize your moss roses regularly throughout the growing season to help them develop strong roots and beautiful flowers. Use a liquid or granular fertilizer with micronutrients to encourage blooming.

Moss roses are not tolerant of overwatering and will quickly develop root rot if they are not watered enough. The best way to tell if your soil is dry is to stick your finger in the pot or use a moisture meter.

Generally, a moss rose needs to be fertilized once per month in the summer and once a month during the winter. However, it’s important to stop applying fertilizer during their dormancy period. This will allow the plant to concentrate on developing new blooms instead of growing old ones.

Pruning

Moss roses are a low maintenance flower that is perfect for container gardens, hanging baskets and sunny hot garden beds. However, they do require a little attention as they will quickly dry out if not watered properly.

It’s best to prune moss roses promptly during their growing season. Otherwise, the plant’s branches will spread out and lower its overall ornamental value.

A good pruning can also improve air and light ventilation, which will help prevent pests and diseases. Old, dried leaves should be cut off in fall to keep the plant healthier and encourage new growth.

Portulaca or moss rose is a perennial plant that can be grown a year round in most areas. It can be planted in well drained sandy soil or in rock or crevice gardens and will self seed without becoming invasive.

Pests

Moss rose, also known as portulaca, is a hardy annual with succulent leaves and bright-colored flowers. It grows in full sun and thrives in dry, well-draining soil.

The moss rose is often attacked by small pests like aphids, mites, thrips and earwigs. These insects suck plant juices from the moss rose’s tissue with their piercing mouths, and they can kill the flower.

Controlling these pests helps to keep moss roses healthy and beautiful. Spraying the leaves with soapy water or a diluted insecticide will often eliminate these pests.

Moss rose is an easy-to-grow plant that requires little care once it is established. However, a prolonged period of drought can cause the plant to rot at the base. Plan on watering the moss rose only during dry spells.