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Perennials/portulaca,sundial scarlet

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Expert: Tom Alonzo - 10/20/2009


Question
i have my sundial scarlet in a pot.how do i care for them in the winter,and will they still get flowers on them.first time growing them and not sure.     thank you

Answer
Hi Opalmarie,
Thanx for your question.  Portulaca is an annual commonly grown in the U.S. as a bedding plant.  It is related to the purslane which is edible.  You will not be able to overwinter them.  The variety you mention is a hybrid and will not come true from seed because hybrids are genetically unstable.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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Tom Alonzo

Expertise

I have been a gardener for 20 years with perennials both growing from seed and from nurseries. I went through the Master Gardener Program from Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service and I answered questions on the Hotline a few years ago for the Wyandotte County Kansas Extension Service. I have also lived in the Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Kansas and Missouri and am experienced with a variety of climates, soils and weather conditions.

Experience

I have been growing perennials for over 20 years now. I am self-taught mostly except for a master gardener class. I have experimented with all kinds of perennials including many that are not common to my area. I have read hundreds of books and grown hundreds of varieties of plants and hope to make it a business some day. I have become versed in botanical names and growing conditions and what I don't know off of the top of my head I can usually easily find in my vast array of research material and botanical and horticultural contacts. I especially enjoy experimenting with growing plants out of zone.

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