Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Portulacaceae

Genus:

Portulaca

Species:

Portulaca smallii

USDA Symbol:

POSM

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

15 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

pink, magenta

Ground Cover:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Tolerates fire disturbance; recolonizes burned sandy openings in longleaf pine ecosystems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

prefers open, sunny habitats with minimal competition

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

7–21 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions with light exposure. Surface sow; do not cover seeds.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI