Portulaca, commonly known as Moss Rose, is a genus of flowering plants known for its vibrant, sun-loving disposition. The ‘Mega Pazzaz’ cultivar is a heat-tolerant variety developed for enhanced resilience and notably large flowers. It is an excellent choice for adding sustained color to summer landscapes and containers. Generally grown as an annual, ‘Mega Pazzaz’ thrives in conditions where many other plants struggle with intense sun and heat.
Identifying Mega Pazzaz
The ‘Mega Pazzaz’ series distinguishes itself from older Portulaca varieties, such as P. grandiflora, through its significantly larger bloom size and improved flowering habit. The flowers are described as “extra-big,” offering a more visually impactful display than the smaller blooms typical of traditional moss rose. This size increase is paired with a diverse color range, including Dark Pink, Red, Orange, Gold, and the two-toned Pink Twist and Mango Twist.
These blooms often display a cup-shaped form and may be single or semi-double, frequently featuring a contrasting central eye. ‘Mega Pazzaz’ has been bred for a controlled, semi-trailing growth habit, making it versatile for use as a ground cover, in flower beds, or as a “spiller” plant in containers. The series is engineered for continuous blooming from late spring until the first frost. The fleshy, succulent foliage is a hallmark of the genus, signaling the plant’s ability to store water and withstand drought.
Essential Growing Conditions
Successful growth of ‘Mega Pazzaz’ depends on meeting its specific environmental needs, particularly regarding light and soil composition. The plant requires full, intense sunlight to thrive and flower prolifically; insufficient light reduces blooming and leads to leggy growth. Intense sun exposure is also necessary for the flowers to open fully, as blooms close on cloudy days or in the evening.
The soil must be well-draining, as the plant’s succulent nature makes it susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. The planting medium should be average to lean, incorporating sand or grit to ensure fast drainage. While tolerant of heat and drought, it has no tolerance for frost. Plant ‘Mega Pazzaz’ as an annual after all danger of freezing temperatures has passed. Space individual plants approximately 14 inches apart to allow for its moderate, spreading, semi-trailing habit, which reaches 12 to 18 inches in width.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Routine management of ‘Mega Pazzaz’ focuses on minimal intervention, leveraging the plant’s natural heat and drought tolerance. Proper watering involves allowing the soil to dry out completely between applications, followed by an infrequent, deep soaking. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure, as the plant’s shallow root system is easily damaged by saturated soil. In periods of low rainfall, watering once a week is typically sufficient.
Fertilization requirements are minimal due to the plant’s preference for lean soils. If planted in the landscape, a single application of an all-purpose granular fertilizer worked into the soil at planting time is often enough for the entire season. For container plants, which may leach nutrients more quickly, a light feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks supports continuous blooming.
While Portulaca is generally considered “self-cleaning,” removing faded blooms and pinching back stems is beneficial. This light deadheading or pruning encourages new buds, helps maintain a tidy shape, and prolongs the overall flowering period.