Description
This species, grown here as an annual, comes from South America. In gardens it looks especially striking among stones in rock gardens. Its single or double flowers, blooming non-stop from summer to autumn in orange, red, white, pink and yellow, have a silky sheen and grow up to 4–5 cm across. They close in shade or in cloudy weather. Cylindrical, fleshy leaves 2.5 cm long grow on red stems. Height 10–20 cm.
Requirements
Dry banks and sunny spots in rock gardens are the best positions for portulaca. This warmth-loving plant does not tolerate long rainy periods or excess moisture in the soil.
Propagation
It is propagated from seed or cuttings. Sow seeds directly outdoors in May. As they are very small, do not cover them with soil – just press the surface down; you can also mix them with sand before sowing. For earlier flowering, sow seeds in March in trays in a greenhouse or in April in a cold frame. After germination prick the seedlings out into peat-and-soil pots. Plant out in the final position in mid-May, 15 x 20 cm apart. Cuttings are taken in July and planted in pots filled with light, sandy compost.
Care
It needs loose, fairly fertile soil – not damp and clayey. The position must be in full sun; in shade the plant declines and flowers much less. This flower is not resistant to rain or cold and dies with the first frosts. Portulaca seeds are very fine, so they are not buried but gently patted into the soil.
When plants get sick
Aphids often attack the leaves and flowers. Seedlings and young plants are sensitive to excess moisture.