Overview
Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa is a spreading branched, bushy annual biennial in the genus Portulaca, part of the Portulacaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden and banks and slopes.
About
Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa, commonly known as common purslane or fatweed, is a spreading, branched, and bushy annual plant in the Portulaca genus. It features thick, slightly succulent leaves and bowl-shaped blooms typical of the genus. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun on well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, and prefers a sheltered aspect facing south or west. Hardy to UK zone H2, it is suitable for cottage gardens, gravel gardens, patios, rock gardens, and banks, with interest during summer and autumn. Propagation is by seed, favouring fertile, moist soil.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Portulaca
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Banks and slopes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Damping off
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa?
Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa need?
Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa hardy in the UK?
Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa?
Seed.
More in the Portulaca genus
- Portulaca grandiflora 'Fairytales Cinderella' (Fairytales Series)
- Portulaca grandiflora 'Snow White'PBR
- Portulaca 'Firegold'
- Portulaca ColorBlast Double Orange ('Lazprt1505') (ColorBlast Series) (d)
- Portulaca afra variegataelephant bush
- Portulaca oleracea Pazzaz Nano Orange ('Dporpznorg'PBR) (Pazzaz Series)