The beauty of rock purslane

Rock purslane, Calandrinia grandiflora, is an evergreen perennial with bright magenta flowers. This 2-foot plant is native to Chile. It is easy to grow and flowers continuously all summer long. The succulent leaves are gray-green; the flowers grow on 3-foot stalks.

Rock purslane is also easy to propagate. I have given cuttings from this plant to several friends and moved it to new spots in my garden.

Planted in average soil in full sun with regular water, it will root quickly. Only a few plants will spread to fill a 3-foot square in a short time.

Other good attributes: drought tolerant; habitat plant for bees, butterflies and birds; and hardy to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

— katie martin, UC Marin Master Gardeners