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.