Paraguayan Purslane: A Tiny Succulent with Big Garden Potential
Meet Paraguayan purslane (Portulaca amilis), a petite annual succulent that’s quietly making its mark in gardens across the southeastern United States. This little charmer might not win any height contests, but what it lacks in stature, it more than makes up for in resilience and understated beauty.
What Exactly Is Paraguayan Purslane?
Paraguayan purslane is a non-native annual forb that originally hails from South America, particularly the Paraguay region. As a member of the purslane family, it’s essentially an herbaceous plant with succulent characteristics – think of it as the quiet cousin of the more flamboyant portulaca you might see spilling from hanging baskets.
This little plant has established itself in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, where it reproduces on its own and has become a naturalized part of the landscape.
Why Consider Growing Paraguayan Purslane?
Here’s where this unassuming plant starts to shine:
- Drought champion: Once established, it thrives with minimal water
- Low maintenance: Perfect for busy gardeners or beginners
- Pollinator friendly: Small flowers attract bees and beneficial insects
- Space efficient: Forms neat, low-growing mats
- Self-sufficient: Self-seeds readily for next year’s display
Garden Role and Design Ideas
Paraguayan purslane works beautifully as a living mulch or ground cover in sunny spots. Its mat-forming habit makes it ideal for:
- Rock gardens and xeriscapes
- Container plantings
- Edges of pathways
- Filling gaps between stepping stones
- Drought-tolerant garden beds
The plant typically stays quite low to the ground, creating a carpet-like effect with its small, succulent leaves and tiny flowers.
Growing Conditions and Care
This is where Paraguayan purslane really earns its keep – it’s remarkably easy to please:
- Sunlight: Full sun is essential for best performance
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy soils are preferred
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 9-11; grows as annual in cooler areas
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with Paraguayan purslane couldn’t be simpler:
- Direct sow seeds in spring after frost danger passes
- Barely cover seeds with soil – they need light to germinate
- Water gently until established, then reduce watering frequency
- No fertilizer needed – this plant actually prefers lean conditions
- Allow some plants to go to seed for natural reseeding
A Word About Native Alternatives
While Paraguayan purslane isn’t invasive, supporting native plants is always a great choice for local ecosystems. Consider these native alternatives that offer similar benefits:
- Wild stonecrop (Sedum ternatum) for shaded areas
- Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia species) for sunny, dry spots
- Native sedums for succulent groundcover needs
The Bottom Line
Paraguayan purslane might not be the flashiest plant in your garden, but it’s certainly one of the most reliable. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance ground cover that can handle drought, attracts pollinators, and asks for very little in return, this modest little succulent might just be your new best friend. Just remember to let some native plants join the party too – your local wildlife will thank you for it!
