Moss rose

Light

Sunny

Pot size

Small pot (up to about 5 litres)

Care level

Easy

Year round or seasonal

Seasonal flower for warm weather

Pets

ASPCA: toxic to pets

Light and position

Full sun.

Size and pot

A low succulent annual, 3 to 8 inches tall. Our pot band: small pot (up to about 5 litres).

Watering

NC State rates it highly tolerant of heat and drought.

Potting mix and feeding

Sandy or gritty, well-drained mix; poorly drained soil causes crown rot.

Growing through the year

Grown from seed. It dislikes transplanting, so handle seedlings gently. It self-seeds.

Grown for one season: sow or plant it once the weather is warm and frost-free.

Watch for

Occasional aphids and slugs; crown rot.

Pets and people

ASPCA lists portulaca as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (soluble calcium oxalates); its entry is filed under purslane (Portulaca oleracea) and names moss rose as another common name. Signs include weakness, depression and diarrhoea.

General gardening information, not professional advice. Plant toxicity details are a starting point, not veterinary or medical advice: if a pet or child may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian or doctor promptly.

Care level: NC State’s maintenance rating (Low). Pot band and summary wording are ours, based on the sources below.