Portulaca grandiflora Sundial Mix

The 'Sundial Mix' Purslane is an original selection of annual plants from the Portulaca grandiflora, also known as Large-flowered Purslane. These small plants are sun and heat lovers, particularly drought-resistant, as evidenced by their succulent foliage. This compact and well-branched variety tirelessly produces large, double, open flowers in vibrant and varied, even rare, shades, such as pure white or speckled, dark red, and various shades of yellow, pink, red, and orange. These flowers, which only open in the sun, are easy to grow and are ideal as ground cover in rockeries, as well as in hanging baskets and containers.

The double large-flowered purslane, belonging to the Portulacaceae family, is widespread in the semi-desert areas of Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay. This annual plant is one of the few that is succulent. The 'Sundial Mix' selection brings together the rarest and brightest colours imaginable, with 100% double large flowers. The plants form small, prostrate clumps that do not exceed 15 cm (6in) in height and spread 20 cm (8in). Their green or reddish stems bear small, elongated, lanceolate, fleshy leaves of a vibrant green colour. Flowering occurs from late spring until September. The large 5 cm (2in) diameter flowers are fully open and composed of numerous crumpled petals like silk, in vibrant and infinitely varied colours, solid, variegated, or even speckled, except for shades of blue. To bloom, they require full sun and well-drained soil.

Plant the 'Sundial Mix' Purslane in rockeries, borders, or pots. Whether in large masses or small touches, this undemanding and cheerful annual will liven up any sunny corner without requiring much attention. This creeping plant is a good ground cover to be planted in borders and flower beds alongside plants that thrive in dry conditions, such as dwarf artemisias, love-in-a-mist, thyme, California poppies, and sedums.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, transplant and store them in a sheltered place (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has definitively passed.