Is Moss Rose a Succulent?

Appearance

• Moss rose grows to a height of between 6 and 8 inches tall, with a spread of about a foot. The plant produces reddish, succulent stems about an inch long and fleshy succulent green leaves that form in clusters. The rose-like blooms are up to 1 inch in diameter and may be red, orange, yellow or white depending on variety. Moss rose boasts a long flowering period, blooming from summer until autumn frosts.

Cultivars

• Numerous moss rose cultivars are available in the nursery trade, including some with double flowers. Varieties include "Afternoon Delight," a cultivar that offers flowers that stay open longer that most varieties; "Margarita Banana," a hot pink cultivar with petals edged in yellow; and "Sundance," a double-flowered variety with blooms up to 2 inches across. The Sundial series of cultivars are more tolerant of cool, cloudy weather and offer double blooms in a range of colors.

Location

• Moss rose hails from arid, desert-like regions in southern Brazil, northern Argentina and Uruguay. The plant has escaped cultivation in some frost-free areas in the United States, including central Florida. Like other succulents, moss rose requires a bright, full sun location in order to thrive. In good growing conditions, moss rose may self seed. As a landscape plant, moss rose may be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 11.

Features

• Moss rose is quite drought tolerant and may be grown in just about any well-draining dry, sandy or infertile soil. The plant works well in rock gardens and may be left to grow over a rock wall or to hang over the sides of a pot or container. Avoid irrigating from overhead, as wet flowers and foliage are more susceptible to disease. Root rot or crown rot may occur in compacted, poorly draining clay soils.