Moss Rose
Portulaca grandiflora
Jewel-toned blooms in rose, red, yellow, and white open each sunny day above fleshy succulent leaves.
A frost-tender warm-season annual in USDA zones 9-11; plant after the last low-desert frost for summer-fall bloom, with occasional reseeding in mild winters.
AMWUA Notes
A very low-water succulent annual that thrives on heat and neglect, perfect for hot edges and containers.
Care Guide
Very drought tolerant thanks to its succulent leaves — water every 1-2 weeks in summer and let it dry between; overwatering causes rot.
None needed; pinch back leggy stems to keep it compact, and it self-cleans as the daily flowers close.
None needed; lean, gritty soil suits it best.
Trouble-free apart from rot in soggy conditions.
A warm-season annual; sow or plant after frost for summer-to-fall bloom, and its flowers open in sun and close at night. It may reseed in mild winters.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Lean, gritty, sharply drained sandy soils; thrives in hot, dry, poor ground; rots in soggy soil.
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Seed or cuttings; plant after frost (warm-season). Succulent stem cuttings root easily; it may reseed in mild winters.
1 ft
Minimal; a shallow-rooted succulent annual with no spread concern. Overwatering causes rot.
Placement Tips
- •Use as a low, heat-proof edging or container filler in the hottest, sunniest spots.
- •Mass along walk edges and in gravel where reflected heat and drought would fry other annuals.
- •Site in full sun — the succulent blooms only open in bright light.
- •Excellent in pots and rock-garden pockets with sharp drainage.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Moss Rose. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Moss Rose — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Moss Rose need in Phoenix?
Moss Rose is a moderate-water annual once established. Very drought tolerant thanks to its succulent leaves — water every 1-2 weeks in summer and let it dry between; overwatering causes rot. A very low-water succulent annual that thrives on heat and neglect, perfect for hot edges and containers.
How big does Moss Rose get?
Expect roughly 1 ft tall and 1 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 1 ft of spacing when planting. Minimal; a shallow-rooted succulent annual with no spread concern. Overwatering causes rot.
Can you plant Moss Rose near a pool?
Yes. Moss Rose is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Moss Rose handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Moss Rose is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. A frost-tender warm-season annual in USDA zones 9-11; plant after the last low-desert frost for summer-fall bloom, with occasional reseeding in mild winters. A warm-season annual; sow or plant after frost for summer-to-fall bloom, and its flowers open in sun and close at night. It may reseed in mild winters.
Does Moss Rose have thorns?
No. Moss Rose is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Moss Rose safe around pets?
Moss Rose is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Moss Rose bloom in Arizona?
Moss Rose blooms in summer-fall, with rose/red/yellow/white flowers. The bloom draws bees.
How much maintenance does Moss Rose need?
Moss Rose is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. None needed; pinch back leggy stems to keep it compact, and it self-cleans as the daily flowers close.
What kind of soil does Moss Rose need?
Lean, gritty, sharply drained sandy soils; thrives in hot, dry, poor ground; rots in soggy soil. It needs no supplemental feeding. None needed; lean, gritty soil suits it best.
Is Moss Rose native to Arizona?
No. Moss Rose is not an Arizona native; it originates from the South America, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.