Moss rose is an ideal plant when you better cover hot, sunny ground.
When you need tocover hot, sunny ground, look no further than moss rose.
With a trailing habit and nonstop bloom power, it looks great in many tweaks.
Jenifer Jordan.
The blossoms of moss rose usually come in vibrant jewel tones, but mild pastel options are also available.
These plants, with fleshy,succulent leavesand stems, are adapted to dry conditions.
The leaves store water for use during droughts and may even up their stems to help with water loss.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
The leaves on moss roses differ, too.
Some varietiesare needle-like, while others are more paddle-like in shape.
All parts of moss rose are toxic to dogs and cats.Dont plant them near areas frequented by pets.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Where to Plant Moss Rose
Moss rose is an extremely easy plant to grow.
It is an annual inUSDA Zones 3-9butcan be grown as a perennialin Zones 10 and 11.
Location is the biggest thing to consider when planting moss rose plants.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Seeds can be started indoors four to eight weeks before thelast frost date.
For the best results, select a location that receivesfull sunand has well-draining soil.
Dig a hole about the same width and depth as the planting container.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Remove the plant and loosen the roots a bit from the root ball before placing it in the hole.
Backfill with soil, tamp lightly, and water well.
Space moss rose plants 6 to 12 inches apart.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Soil and Water
Water the plants sparingly.
Moss rose plants are adapted todry, desert-like conditions.
Pruning
Moss rose doesntrequire deadheading.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Moss roses keep blooming all season long with no additional care needed.
Fortunately, its easy to weed out any unwanted seedlings with a garden rake or trowel.
Pest and Problems
Deer arent usually attracted to moss rose plants, butaphidsandslugs can be a problem.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
The biggest problemstem and root rotoccurs when the plant receives too much water or is in poorly drained soil.
The cutting should be rooted in about two weeks.
Remove the plastic bag.
You should see growth between seven and 14 days later.
Sundial Peppermint Moss Rose
PortulacaSundial Peppermint offers white blooms liberally striped with hot pink.
Sundial White Moss Rose
PortulacaSundial White bears showy doublewhite bloomsall summer long.
Sundial Yellow Moss Rose
PortulacaSundial Yellow bears showy double golden-yellow blooms all summer.
Moss Rose Companion Plants
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are versatile.
Nasturtiums are available in either spreading or climbing types.
Use nasturtium to brighten arock gardenor between paving stones.
Train climbing types up trellises or alongside fences.
The leaves and flowers are edible; use them as a showy plate garnish or to jazz up salads.
Perennial in Zones 9-11
Zinnias
Want fast color for just pennies?Plant zinnias!
Plant tall red or hot pink zinnias in a large patch to attract the most pollinators.
Big Red is especially nice for this; the flowers are outstanding and excellent for cutting.
Zinniasgrow quickly from seedsown right in the ground and do best in full sun with dry to well-drained soil.
Its colorful foliage, in shades of chartreuse or purple, accents almost any other plant.
Grow a few together in a large pot, and theyll make a big impact all on their own.
Sweet potato vines do best during the warm days of summer and prefer moist, well-drained soil.
They thrive in sun or shade.
Sweet potato vine is winter hardy in Zones 9-11.
The annual plant dies at the first frost.
Lots of bright sunlight is needed for an extended bloom season.
Many moss rose plants reseed themselves in late fall, so you may have a new crop every spring.
Deadhead the plant in early fall if you dont want it to reseed in the garden.
Butterflies and hummingbirds are both attracted to the brightly colored blooms of moss rose.
Although the seeds can be started indoors, the plants need to grow outdoors.
Moss rose does not do well when grown indoors for long.
