Sundial Orange is a specific cultivar of Portulaca grandiflora, commonly known as Moss Rose. This annual plant offers vibrant orange, frilly flowers that appear from early summer through early fall. Its low-growing, spreading habit forms a dense mat of tiny, succulent, needle-like green leaves. Sundial Orange is a popular choice for its cheerful appearance, ease of care, and notable drought tolerance.
Growing Sundial Orange
Sunlight Requirements
Portulaca ‘Sundial Orange’ thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun daily for optimal growth and prolific blooming. Insufficient light results in sparse flowering and leggy growth.
Soil Preferences
This plant prefers well-draining soil and tolerates sandy, rocky, or poor conditions. Heavy clay soils are unsuitable as they retain too much moisture, leading to root rot. If your soil is heavy, amend it with coarse sand or organic matter to improve drainage. A soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0 is suitable.
Watering Needs
Portulaca ‘Sundial Orange’ is drought-tolerant once established, storing water in its succulent foliage. Water infrequently but deeply, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue and leads to root rot. Aim for about one inch of water per week during the growing season, including rainfall.
Fertilization
Portulaca ‘Sundial Orange’ is not a heavy feeder and requires minimal fertilization. In rich soils, additional nutrients can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. If growth appears sluggish, apply a light application of a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer or a diluted liquid feed during the growing season.
Temperature and Climate
As an annual, Portulaca ‘Sundial Orange’ flourishes in hot, dry conditions and is suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 11 during its growing season. It is sensitive to frost and should be protected from temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. For initial growth, temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal, though the plant tolerates much higher heat once established.
Garden Uses and Design
Sundial Orange Portulaca is versatile due to its low-growing, spreading habit. It excels in rock gardens, xeriscapes, and as a vibrant groundcover, thriving in hot, sunny, and dry areas. Its trailing nature also makes it suitable for containers and hanging baskets, where it can spill gracefully over the edges.
The plant’s vibrant orange blooms create cheerful carpets of color. It can be used for border edging or mass plantings to define garden spaces. Sundial Orange also fits well between stepping stones or cascading over stone walls, adding texture and brightness. When selecting companions, choose other sun-loving and drought-tolerant plants such as Zinnias or Wormwood.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Portulaca ‘Sundial Orange’ experiences few problems, but issues often relate to environmental conditions. Root rot is the most frequent concern, caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Ensuring proper soil amendments and allowing the soil to dry between waterings prevents this issue.
Lack of blooms is often due to insufficient sunlight or excessive fertilization, which promotes foliage over flowers. Leggy growth also indicates inadequate light. While pest-resistant, occasional issues with aphids or spider mites may arise, but are rarely severe.
Maintenance for Sundial Orange is low. Deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers, is optional as the plant is often self-cleaning, but it can encourage a more continuous bloom cycle. Pruning is rarely necessary, unless removing dieback or shaping leggy growth. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season. Potted specimens can be overwintered indoors in frost-free environments.