Purslane, a vibrant and resilient plant, is a delightful addition to any garden in San Antonio, Texas. Known for its remarkable ability to thrive in hot climates, it is a gardener’s dream come true; especially when the steamy months arrive.
Purslane Growing Successfully
To successfully grow purslane in San Antonio, ensure it receives plenty of sunlight. This plant thrives in full on Texas sun, soaking up the warm rays to fuel its growth. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find a spot that is too hot for these flame resistant beauties.
When it comes to watering, regular doses will encourage healthy growth and plump foliage, but let the plant dry out between watering, as it has succulent-like foliage, and shouldn’t be overwatered. Well-draining soil is a must to allow excess water to flow easily away from its roots. Mixing in some all purpose granular fertilizer at planting keeps these plants pushing out flowers.
Purslane Flowers
One of the most enchanting features of purslane is its lovely flowers that bloom from summer into fall. The flowers are a sight to behold, with their vibrant, iridescent hues of red, coral, orange, pink, yellow or white. Their habit of opening up in the morning to reveal their beauty and closing at night, adds a touch of whimsy to your gardens. While the flowers may only last a day, there are a hundred more blooms waiting in the wings to replace them.
Fill up a window basket, or nestle a few in the foregrounds of your annual beds. They look absolutely gorgeous trailing from hanging baskets, and can add a fun pop of color along borders of sunny veggie gardens (great for bringing in some pollinators too). If you want to plant them in mass for a carpet of blooms, space plants around 8-10″ apart. They typically spread to widths of 12-24″ when planted individually. Additionally, purslane is one of the few plants that you can continue to plant even as summer progresses (just might need a little more water), ensuring your garden remains vibrant and lively throughout the season.
Portulaca, a.k.a. Moss Rose, is in the same family as purslane. Both have succulent-like foliage, but portulaca has more needle-shaped leaves, while purslane has more flat, teardrop shaped leaves. The blooms on portulaca also may be doubled, more like the blooms of a cactus flower or a tiny carnation. Either of these annuals are great choices for the upcoming season.
Growing purslane (or portulaca) in San Antonio can bring both beauty and resilience to your garden. Stunning flowers, easy maintenance, and the ability to withstand our blazing summer heat, make purslane a fantastic choice for any gardener looking to add a splash of color and charm to their outdoor spaces.
~The Happy Gardener, Lisa Mulroy
Is it (somewhat) deer resistant? Thanks, Joan
Yes….somewhat…. Meaning, it si not a preferred plant of theirs to forage, but it is possible, just because it will depend on how hungry the deer are, if we are in a drought, and the herd itself.