Rose Moss
Portulaca grandiflora
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Guam, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
Joydeep
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Portulacaceae
- Genus:
- Portulaca
- Species:
- Portulaca grandiflora
- USDA Symbol:
- POGR7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 20 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, yellow, pink, purple, red, orange, magenta
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Glover's Silkworm Moth (Euscirrhopterus gloveri), Green Cutworm (Anicla infecta), Lucerne Moth (Nomophila nearctica), rascal dart moth (Agrotis malefida), White-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Two-spotted Longhorn (Melissodes bimaculatus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in poor, arid conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover. Warm temperatures (70-85°F) promote best germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.