Points of Merit
The Pazzaz series of portulacas has been a mainstay for us for the last few years. Then came along the upgraded series with bigger blooms and we upgraded our standards. The blooms are bigger, offer bolder colors, and the foliage trims the display out nicely.
Uses in the Landscape
From potted plants to long sweeping borders, the mega pazzaz has a spot to fill. Portulacas are always the best choice for hanging baskets and window boxes. Their small root systems and drought tolerance make them ideal for these typically hot and dry environments. The Mega Pazzaz variety is no different but will likely be a bolder display than yesteryears portulacas. Also, these spreading plants offer robust fill to the front border where they will meander around rocks, or spill down the border edge. Every nook or cranny will erupt in continuous bloom until the first hard frost.
How to Grow
Portulacas are our suggested plant for the beginning gardener. They are almost "fool-proof" with their biggest request being adequate drainage. In potting mixes, always add in more perlite with one part potting mix to one part perlite being a good consistency for sharp drainage. Their next request, but not a greedy one, is fertilizer. An all-purpose liquid feed in soilless mixes is a great choice early on and then you will want to switch to a bloom ratio when the desired height/width is achieved. The same can apply to garden applications where the plants are placed within the ground. For potted plants fertilize within the water every week and every other week for plantings in garden soil. The last request is full sun. These guys love a good tan and their best performance is in full sun. In shady areas they are more prone to fungal developments. Overall, sharp drainage, adequate fertilizer, and full sun are the recipe for success.
