Scientific Name
Portulaca gilliesii Hook.
Synonym(s)
Portulaca arenicola, Portulaca tinctoria
Scientific Classification
Family: Portulacaceae
Subfamily: Portulacarioideae
Genus: Portulaca
Origin
Portulaca gilliesii is native to India and the Middle East.
Description
Portulaca gilliesii is an annual succulent with fleshy, often reddish stems that can be prostrate, ascending, or erect. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The leaves are thick and fleshy, arranged alternately or in small clusters.
The flowers are small with five reddish-purple petals and appear in late spring.
How to Grow and Care for Portulaca gilliesii
Portulacas tolerate a wide range of soils but prefer sandy, well-drained soil and thrive in full sunlight. These plants are excellent for high heat and drought tolerance and will grow and spread well. Some control methods may be necessary to prevent Portulacas from becoming invasive in unwanted areas, but these wonderful plants spread easily and very well.
These succulents require minimal attention during growth and flowering. However, you should remove them from the garden before Portulacas can set seeds, as they may take over the garden. You do not need to water Portulaca frequently for proper care. The cylindrical foliage of the plants retains moisture very well. Thus, regular watering is not required. When they are watered, a light watering is sufficient, as their root zone is very shallow.
The seeds of Portulacas should be sown on the soil surface after the last spring frost. Ideally, these plants should be grown in a sunny part of the garden. Starting Portulaca indoors, start about one and a half months in advance.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Portulaca.
Links
- Back to genus Portulaca
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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