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Portulaca hybrid (DUET™ SERIES)

Image of Portulaca hybrid (DUET™ SERIES)

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Portulacaceae

Botanical Name

Portulaca hybrid( DUET™ SERIES)

Plant Common Name

Ornamental Purslane

General Description

The flowering purslanes in the Duet™ Series are low-growing, vigorous and bloom heavily in the heat of summer. “Duet” refers to the duets of colors in their single, bi-colored blossoms. They come in suites of festive colors including yellow, orange, red, white, pink and yellow and spread, so they are best suited for containers, border edges and even hanging baskets.

In the trade, ornamental purslanes are commonly listed under the botanical names Portulaca oleracea, Portulaca umbraticola or Portulaca grandiflora. Most cultivated forms have characteristics of two or more species and are better recognized as hybrids. These low, spreading bedding plants produce colorful, five-petaled flowers when temperatures are warm. The flowers last only one day but will keep appearing without deadheading as long as the plants are well cared for.

These heat-loving ornamentals need lots of sunlight, and prefer average to fertile soil that’s sharply drained. Established plants can withstand periods of drought but still grow best with regular water. Extended drought without supplemental water will cause them to sag, drop their leaves and deteriorate. Heavy wet soil and deep shade will also kill them quickly. Regular applications of fertilizer for bedding plants will encourage vigorous flowering through the growing season.

Ornamental purslanes offer quick, easy, summer color to sunny beds and borders. They are great for rock gardens and containers and mix well with other brightly colored bedding plants for sun.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    8 - 12

  • Sunset Zone

    A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Annual

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    2"-5" / 5.1cm - 12.7cm

  • Width

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall, Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Prostrate/Trailing

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Pink

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes