LIFE CYCLE
Annual
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
Succulent
GROWTH HABIT
Spreading
BLOOM SEASON
Summer
FLAVOUR PROFILE
Ornamental
SUITABLE FOR
Outdoor
SEED TYPE
Open-pollinated
PLANT TYPE
Flowering succulent
PLANTING SEASON
Spring–Summer
FRUIT SIZE
N/A
PLANT HEIGHT
10–20 cm
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Full sun
WATER NEEDS
Low
HARDINESS ZONES
2–11
CONTAINER GARDEN
Yes
PLANT SPACING
15–20 cm
PLANTING DEPTH
Surface sow
GROWING CONDITIONS
Hot, dry
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Portulaca oleracea Scarlet Shades produce vivid scarlet blooms throughout the summer?
Can Portulaca oleracea Scarlet Shades produce vivid scarlet blooms throughout the summer?
Yes. Under suitable growing conditions, it produces abundant scarlet flowers that provide continuous color during the warm growing season.
Do the flowers open fully in bright sunshine?
Do the flowers open fully in bright sunshine?
Yes. The blooms typically open in full sunlight and may close during cloudy weather or in the evening.
Can Portulaca oleracea Scarlet Shades be planted in rock gardens and containers?
Can Portulaca oleracea Scarlet Shades be planted in rock gardens and containers?
Yes. Its compact, spreading habit makes it ideal for rock gardens, borders, hanging baskets, containers, and ground cover plantings.
Will the succulent foliage help the plant tolerate dry conditions?
Will the succulent foliage help the plant tolerate dry conditions?
Yes. The fleshy leaves store moisture, helping the plant perform well once established in sunny, well-drained locations.
Can the flowers attract bees and butterflies?
Can the flowers attract bees and butterflies?
Yes. The nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinating insects during the flowering season.
How is Portulaca oleracea Scarlet Shades different from Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora)?
How is Portulaca oleracea Scarlet Shades different from Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora)?
Portulaca oleracea has broader succulent leaves and is commonly grown as both an ornamental and edible plant, while Portulaca grandiflora is primarily cultivated for its larger, rose-like flowers and needle-like succulent foliage.