Annual
Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
Varieties We Carry
Cupcake Coconut WhitePortulaca oleraceaCupcake AssortedPortulaca oleraceaDoublePortulaca oleracea
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 25.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Mature size4-8 inches × 12-18 inches (trailing)
About Purslane
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a heat-loving succulent annual that thrives in NE Florida's hot, dry conditions, producing small yellow flowers on low-spreading stems with thick moisture-retaining leaves. It excels in containers, hot borders, and sandy beds, requiring minimal water and no fertilizer. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- White, Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink, Multi
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Annual
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in full sun; at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily is required for maximum flowering. Partial shade reduces bloom and can increase disease risk in humid NE Florida summers.
Water
Water sparingly — purslane is highly drought tolerant and susceptible to root rot in wet soils. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; in NE Florida's rainy season ensure excellent drainage.
Soil & Fertilizer
Prefers lean, well-draining sandy or loamy soil; avoid rich or clay soils. No fertilizer needed — excess nutrients promote foliage at the expense of flowers. Self-seeds readily and may behave as a weed in cultivated beds.
Similar needs
Adam's Needle
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $9.95Same conditions
Agave
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $9.95Same conditions
Aloe
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $12.95Same conditions
Beach Morning Glory
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $4.95Same conditions
Bougainvillea
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $24.95Same conditions
Florida Pennyroyal
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $9.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Purslane a good plant for St. Augustine?
Purslane is a annual for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with high salt tolerance, reaching 4-8 inches × 12-18 inches (trailing).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.