About

This spreading annual to 25cm high forming a mound of red stems clothed with fleshy, cylindrical leaves to 2.5cm long and bearing semi-double flowers in a range of colours through summer.

About the genus

Portulaca are slightly succulent annuals with fleshy leaves and cup-shaped flowers in shades of red, purple, pink, yellow and white

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun; thrives in poor, sandy soils
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, though seedlings can be susceptible to damping off