Varieties of Portulaca

Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora) is a vigorous, hardy annual plant. Often called moss rose, this plant has succulent leaves and showy, brightly-colored flowers, making it highly desirable for home gardeners who want a strong, spreading, drought-tolerant plant that will provide lots of color throughout the growing season. There are many varieties, or cultivars, of portulaca, according to information published by the University of Florida.

Sundance

The Sundance cultivar of portulaca has double-petaled flowers that grow in clusters. The flowers can grow up to 2 inches wide and come in shades of red, pink or orange.

Sundial

The Sundial varieties of portulaca are known for their ability to grow in cool, cloudy weather, unlike most other varieties of portulaca that thrive in full sunlight. These flowers also feature double petals and come in several different colors. One of the Sundial series, "Afternoon Delight", has flowers that remain open longer in the afternoon than others in the series, which often close by mid-afternoon, according to information published by Floridata.

Calypso

Calypso is a highly popular, man-made variety of portulaca. This showy cultivar features a mixture of flower colors on one plant, according to information published by the University of Florida.

Bodhigyel

Bodhigyel features large, bright-yellow flowers and a rounded, mounding habit that is bushier than many other varieties.

Duet

The Duet variety of portulaca has only single flowers, but they more than make up for their lack of ruffles with their color combination, which is a bright, hot-pink edged with vibrant yellow.

Yubi Summer Joy Orange

Yubi Summer Joy Orange is another two-toned, single-flower cultivar. These bright blooms are a cheerful, orange color with deep-red throats.