Portulaca

Portulaca species, hybrids and cultivars

The two main species grown for ornamental purposes are Portulaca grandiflora and P. umbraticola. They have colourful flowers and are grwn as annuals or short-lived perennials. They love heat and sun and can tolerate dry conditions better than most annuals, which makes them very good for Queenland.

P. oleracea (purslane or pigweed) is a very common weed belonging to this genus. Another you might encounter is P. pilosa

Portulaca featured in the 17-02-2023 edition of the email publication Get Results Gardening. That article which gave more information about this easily-grown bedding plant. Request a free trial and you can ask to be sent a copy of the portulaca edition in the message (Australian residents only). Get Results Gardening is a newsletter-style, mini-magazine for homeowners and others gardening in Australia, with an emphasis on the subtropics and South East Queensland. Click on the banner below _☟ for more information.

Portulaca in the landscape

A growing collection of photos that will help you understand what the plants look like and where you might plant them at home.