Portulaca - Variegated Sunjewels

Portulaca 'Variegated Sunjewels' is a vibrant and eye-catching annual succulent celebrated for its colorful, variegated foliage and profusion of bright, jewel-toned flowers. This low-growing plant adds a splash of color and texture to sunny gardens, borders, and containers, attracting attention with its cheerful blooms that open wide in the sunshine.
 
Key Features of Portulaca 'Variegated Sunjewels'
Variegated Foliage: The small, fleshy leaves exhibit attractive variegation, often displaying combinations of green, yellow, cream, and sometimes hints of red or pink along the edges or throughout the leaves.
Succulent Leaves: The leaves are thick and fleshy, allowing the plant to tolerate dry conditions.
Brightly Colored Flowers: Produces numerous single or double flowers in a wide range of vibrant colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, white, and bi-colors. The flowers have a silky texture and open during sunny days.
Low-Growing and Spreading Habit: Typically forms a low-growing mat or mound, spreading outwards and making it an excellent ground cover or spiller in containers.
Heat and Drought Tolerant: Well-suited for hot and dry climates once established.
Long Blooming Season: Blooms profusely throughout the summer months, providing continuous color.
 
Care for Your Portulaca 'Variegated Sunjewels'
Light: Requires full sun to thrive and bloom profusely. At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal.
Soil: Prefers well-draining soil. While it can tolerate poor soils, good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Watering: Water regularly, especially when newly planted, until established. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures and is generally grown as an annual in regions with frost.
Humidity: Tolerates a wide range of humidity levels.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
Deadheading: While not strictly necessary, deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms and maintain a tidier appearance.
Fertilizing: Generally does not require heavy fertilization. A light feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer a few times during the growing season can be beneficial, especially in poor soils. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce flowering.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to most common pests and diseases. Good air circulation can help prevent any potential fungal issues.
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Seeds: Easily propagated from seeds sown directly in the garden after the last frost or started indoors a few weeks earlier.
Stem Cuttings: Can also be propagated from stem cuttings taken during the growing season. Allow the cut ends to dry slightly before planting them in moist, well-draining soil. They root readily.
 
Portulaca 'Variegated Sunjewels' is a dazzling and low-maintenance annual that brings a continuous display of colorful flowers and attractive variegated foliage to sunny spaces. Its heat and drought tolerance, coupled with its ease of propagation, make it a popular choice for adding vibrant beauty to gardens and containers throughout the summer.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide.  Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.