Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)


Purslane Plant Features

Hot, dry conditions are no match for purslane. This vigorous, low-growing annual flower thrives when the weather heats up and will slowly carpet a bed, border, or container with pretty succulent foliage and bright yellow-, orange-, or rose-, or white-colored blooms.  Purslane and its close cousin portulaca will add tons of color with a minimum of care from you. The mat-like plants grow 4 to 8 inches tall so they are ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, or as a colorful groundcover tucked amid stones in a garden pathway. The cheerful, chalice-like blooms close up at night, but pop back open as soon as the sun peeks over the horizon. Purslane is also a favorite plant for hungry butterflies. It's deer resistant, too. In frost-free regions (Zones 10 and 11) purslane is treated as a tender perennial.

Purslane Questions?
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Purslane Growing Instructions

Plant purslane in full sun and well-drained soil. If you are growing purslane in a container or basket use a commercial potting soil mix. Feed with a little slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time, but after that additional feeding is not necessary. Water whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, but don't overdo it. Purslane would rather be a bit dry than flooded.

Purslane is not intended for human or animal consumption.
  • Water

    Low water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Orange

    Pink

    Yellow

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Deer/rabbit resistant

    Groundcover

    Super-easy to grow


Complement your Purslane

Angelonia
Angelonia thrives in hot weather and makes a good partner for Purslane.

Calibrachoa
Mix Calibrachoa and Purslane in a hanging basket and enjoy the show.


Our favorite varieties

Pazzazz Salmon Glow Purslane

Pazzazz Salmon Glow Purslane

Portulaca 'Pazzazz Salmon Glow'

One of the best summer performers in our Trial Garden, Pazzazz Salmon Glow bloomed nonstop with peachy-orange flowers on a 6-inch-tall plant that grew 16 inches wide.

Pazzazz Deep Pink Purslane

Pazzazz Deep Pink Purslane

Portulaca 'Pazzazz Deep Pink'

A favorite in our Trial Garden, Pazzazz Deep Pink was an eye catcher with its constant display of hot, fuchsia-pink flowers. It grows 6 inches tall and 16 inches wide.

Cupcake Peachy Purslane

Cupcake Peachy Purslane

Portulaca 'Cupcake Peachy'

A standout for its flower power in our Trial Gardens, Cupcake peachy formed a 10-inch-tall, 18-inch-wide carpet of peachy-orange flowers all summer long.