How to Grow Sundial Portulaca

Portulaca, also known as a moss rose, is a flowering annual. Because they bloom all summer long, they are prized by the home gardener for use in borders, containers and any other spot that needs a burst of color. The sundial variety of the portulaca blooms in soft, almost-pastel shades. These plants can grow to 6 inches tall and spread 14 inches. They are very easy to care for, only asking for a hot, sunny site with well-draining soil.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Rake
• Compost or other soil amendment material
• Sundial portulaca plant
• Water

Instructions

1. Choose a site in your garden that gets lots of sun all day.

2. Loosen the soil in the planting site, using your shovel to dig down about 4 inches. Break up any large clods of soil with the shovel and remove any rocks or other debris.

3. Add any soil amendments needed to ensure that the site has good drainage. If your soil is clay, you may want to add some peat moss or sand. Sometimes just a good all-purpose compost will help the texture of the soil. Rake it into the existing soil, mix well and level the soil.

4. Dig a hole that is the same depth as the container in which the portulaca has been growing, and twice the width.

5. Remove the portulaca from the pot and gently loosen the root ball. Set the plant in the hole and backfill with the surrounding soil. Tamp lightly around the base of the plant with your hand or foot to ensure good contact with the soil. Water well.

Tips & Warnings

• Sundial portulaca is a succulent and thrives when it is hot and dry, so don't overwater. Cover the plant in cold temperatures.

• Portulaca do not require fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer will result in more foliage and fewer blooms.

References

• University of Florida, Cooperative Extension Service

Resources

• The Gardener's Network