Moss Rose (Portulaca)

Portulaca oleracea, also called moss rose, used to grow everywhere: sidewalk cracks, old logs, piles of rotting leaves, and in the front-yard flower beds of every home on our block. These little rose-like flowers top a rosemary-like stem with the texture and shine of a jade plant. Portulaca sprout quickly and bloom in full sun, providing a feast of jewel-toned flowers.

Trail them from strawberry pots or use them to fill the space at the base of your gladiolus and Asiatic lilies. Place a rectangle of floral foam in a silicone bread pan to make an instant mini-centerpiece for your summer table.

Here is a photo of our pot of portulaca, which bloomed for the first time on June 30, 2010:

By Jane from Tallmadge, OH

Editor's Note: According to our research, Moss Rose is actually Portulaca Grandiflora. Portulaca Oleracea is a succulent known as Pigweed