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PORTULACA hybrid 'Toucan Scarlet'

Image of Portulaca hybrid 'Toucan Scarlet' (TOUCAN SERIES)

Ball® Horticultural Company

Family

Portulacaceae

Botanical Name

PORTULACA hybrid 'Toucan Scarlet'( TOUCAN SERIES)

Plant Common Name

Ornamental Purslane

Special Notice

This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.

General Description

Brilliantly flowering across the heat of summer the vigorous and early-to-bloom 'Toucan Scarlet' displays vibrant coral-scarlet blossoms. Large flowering and easily cropped from seeds, the five-petaled flowers seem delicate with the yellow-centered wide cups. The plant spreads, so it is are best suited for containers, border edges and even hanging baskets.

Ornamental purslanes in the trade are commonly listed under the botanical names Portulaca oleracea, Portulaca umbraticola and Portulaca grandiflora. These ornamentals show characteristics of two or more species and are better recognized as hybrids.

Colorful large flowers cover this low, spreading annual or short-lived tender perennial in the heat of summer. Each typically has a trailing habit and branched, reddish green stems covered with small, flat, fleshy green leaves. The blooms are numerous and last only one day but will keep appearing without deadheading as long as they are given good care.

The heat-loving Toucan Scarlet purslane needs lots of sunlight and average garden soil that’s sharply drained; don't plant in highly fertile soils for best performance. An established plant can withstand periods of drought but still grows best with average soil moisture in midsummer. Extended drought will cause it to sag, drop its leaves and deteriorate. Heavy wet soil and shade will also quickly kill it.

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, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 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

    3"-5" / 7.6cm - 12.7cm

  • Width

    12"-16" / 30.5cm - 40.6cm

  • Bloom Time

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

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Prostrate/Trailing

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Red, Coral

  • 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

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Edging, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes