Rock Purslane

Year-round

Rock purslane is a mounding succulent originally from Chile, so it is an introduced ornamental here. It stays about a foot tall and spreads two to three feet, with blue-green leaves and bright magenta flowers from mid spring into summer. It needs full sun and fast-draining soil.

• Plant in full sun in gritty, well-drained soil.
• Water only when the top two inches of soil are dry.
• Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
• Cut it back once a year to keep growth dense.

Its low, mounded habit stays tidy in a front-yard rock garden or container.

Fall

Fall is a good time to cut back and plant.

• Cut the plant back to refresh growth.
• Plant new starts as temperatures cool.
• Water less as the weather cools.

Winter

Winter is the rest period, and wet soil is the main risk.

• Let rain do the watering.
• Make sure the soil drains and does not stay soggy.
• Protect from hard frost with a cloth cover if needed.

Spring

Spring brings new growth and the start of bloom.

• Water when the soil is dry two inches down.
• Plant new starts after frost danger has passed.
• Enjoy the first flowers and remove spent stems.

Summer

Bloom continues on and off with little water.

• Water every one to two weeks in dry weather.
• Give afternoon shade in the hottest spots.
• Trim spent flower stems.