Scientific Name: Portulaca grandiflora Hook.
Common Names: Moss Rose Purslane, Eleven O’Clock, Mexican Rose, Moss Rose, Rose Moss, Sun Rose, Sun Plant, Rock Rose
Synonyms: Portulaca pilosa subsp. grandiflora
Family: Portulacaceae
Subfamily: Portulacarioideae
Genus: Portulaca
Origin: Native to Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay.
Portulaca grandiflora is a small, but fast-growing annual plant up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall, though usually less. However if it is cultivated properly it can easily reach this height. The leaves are thick and fleshy, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, arranged alternately or in small clusters. The flowers are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter with five petals, variably red, orange, pink, white, and yellow.
How to Grow and Care
Portulaca plants tolerate many kinds of soil but prefer sandy, well-drained soil and love the full sunlight. These plants are excellent for high heat and drought tolerance, and will seed and spread themselves very well. Some control methods may be needed to keep portulaca plants from becoming invasive to areas where they are not wanted. These wonderful plants do spread easily and very well. Portulaca species such as Purslane require no attention at all when growing and flowering; however you should remove them from the garden before Portulaca have chance to set seed as they may take over the garden. You do not need to water often for proper Portulaca care. The cylindrical foliage of the Portulaca plants retains moisture very well, thus, regular watering is not needed. When they are watered, just a light watering will do, as their root zone is very shallow .