Purslane ( Portulaca oleracea ) is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties . But did you be intimate that it can also make an excellent ground screen around walkways and as a companion flora for some vegetable ? In this blog office , we ’ll dig into the benefits and drawback of using purslane as a ground cover song , as well as how to originate and care for it .
benefit of Purslane as a Ground Cover
Purslane ’s ability to thrive in pitiful soil makes it an idealistic ground cover for area that may not support other plants . Its shallow root system of rules also stand for that it wo n’t compete with deeper - rooted plants for pee and nutrients , making it an ideal companion for vegetables that call for more imagination .
In addition , purslane ’s fleshy , succulent leaves and stem serve to retain moisture in the dirt , reducing the need for lachrymation . Its low - acquire habit also means that it can help to suppress weeds , melt off the motive for herbicide .
Drawbacks of Purslane as a Ground Cover
While purslane can be a utile earth cover , it can also be an belligerent weed that can quickly take over magnanimous sections of your railway yard . Its power to re - root itself from even a fragment of stem or leave-taking left in the filth , as well as its power to shed up to 50,000 seed for young growth , signify that it can be difficult to assure once it gets established .
Purslane can also contend with other plants for space , water , and nutrients , affect harvest yields and make the lives of growers hard than necessary . For this reason , it ’s authoritative to consider the pros and cons of using purslane as a footing cover version before planting it in your garden .
Growing and give care for Purslane
If you ’ve decided to use purslane as a ground back , here are some tips on how to produce and care for it :
1 . industrial plant purslane in full sunshine and well - drained soil . It can abide some shade , but it will grow best in full sun .
2 . If you are growing purslane in a container or basket , apply a commercial potting ground mix .
3 . Feed with a piddling slow - loss grainy plant food at planting metre , but after that additional feeding is not necessary .
4 . water system on a regular basis , but be careful not to overwater , as purslane is susceptible to root rot .
5 . Cut back the plant on a regular basis to keep it from becoming too woody and to encourage new growth .
6 . If you are concerned abut purslane becoming a weed , believe growing it in a container or using a roadblock such as landscape fabric to keep it from spread .
Purslane can be a useful and attractive earth cover for domain that may not support other plants . Its ability to retain moisture in the stain , suppress mourning band , and provide a humble - maintenance screen make it an likeable option for many gardeners . However , its aggressive growth substance abuse and potential drop to compete with other plants should be considered before planting it in your garden .
The Use of Purslane as Ground Cover
Purslane can be used as ground cover . Purslane is a low - arise industrial plant that can well fan out and cover the ground . It is an fantabulous option for ground concealment around walkways and in garden beds . Its succulent leaves retain wet well , cause it a neat pick for areas with low rain or in drought - prostrate regions . Purslane ’s dim growth also help oneself prevent soil erosion and suppress smoke growth . Its shallow roots also make it a good choice for arena where deeper - rooted plants may not thrive . Purslane is a great selection for those looking for an attractive and low - upkeep ground screen plant life .
Does Purslane Return Annually?
Purslane is an one-year plant that make out its animation cycle in one grow season . This means that it acquire from seed , produces bloom and seeds , and then give way off , all in one year . However , purslane is live to self - seminal fluid , which means that the seed it produces may shine to the earth and germinate the undermentioned year , resulting in new plants . Therefore , while purslane does not come back every year as a perennial plant , it may reappear in the same location if the seed it produces are let to grow . Additionally , purslane is a highly adaptable plant that can easily go around and thrive in varius condition , which may also contribute to its reemergence in subsequent growing season .
Can Purslane Invade a Garden?
Purslane has the potential to take over the garden due to its fast-growing growth wont . Purslane can well re - root itself from stem or leaf fragments go forth in the ground , and mature plants can make up to 50,000 seeds for young growth . Purslane can quickly pass around and contend with other flora in the garden for water and nutrients , which may result in reduced yield and poor plant growth . Therefore , it is essential to see the growth of purslane by transfer it regularly or using appropriate weed restraint methods to foreclose it from taking over the garden .
Maintaining Blooming Purslane
To keep purslane blooming , there are seveal things that you’re able to do . Firstly , make trusted that your plant is father enough sunlight . Common purslane prefers rich sunlight and needs 6 - 8 hours of sunlight every daytime to thrive and produce vibrant heyday . Plant it in a Lord’s Day - face area of the garden or put the potted flora on a Sunday - confront balcony . Insufficient light causes fewer blooming and wilting petals and leave .
second , water your purslane regularly . Purslane prefer well - draining soil and needs to be watered on a regular basis to keep the filth moist . However , ward off overwatering as it can lead to ancestor rot and other job . Check the filth on a regular basis and water when the top inch of filth feel wry to the touch .
third , fertilize your purslane . habituate a balanced fertilizer once a calendar month during the growing time of year to provide the plant with the nutrients it involve to produce blooms .
Deadhead your purslane regularly . This means removing the drop bloom from the plant to encourage new blossom . Use a pair of penetrative scissors or garden shear to cut off the dead flowers at the base of the shank . This will also help to keep the plant looking clean and sizable .
By abide by these simple tips , you could keep your purslane blooming and looking beautiful all time of year long .
Conclusion
Purslane can be a valuable improver to your garden , but it requires careful condition and management . When used as a ground cover , it can protect soil from corroding , suppress weeds , and reduce water loss . However , it ’s of import to keep in mind that Purslane can be an aggressive weed and may compete with other plants for resourcefulness . Therefore , it ’s all important to plant it in an appropriate location and negociate its growth to forestall it from taking over your garden . With right tending , Purslane can be a beautiful and good ground cover that adds multifariousness and involvement to your landscape .
Caroline Bates
