Red Rock Purslane, also known by its cultivar name 'Ruby Tuesday', is a vibrant, low-growing perennial that produces striking red and magenta flowers. Calandrinia umbellata is native to South America and thrives in sunny, dry conditions, making it an excellent addition to drought-tolerant gardens and rock gardens. The 'Ruby Tuesday' variety features bold, ruby-red blooms that stand out against its green succulent foliage, creating a dramatic visual display. This plant is not only beautiful but also easy to grow, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden. Perfect for gardeners looking for a hardy, colorful plant that requires minimal maintenance, Red Rock Purslane will add flair and interest to any landscape.

Key Features:

• Vibrant Flowers: 'Ruby Tuesday' Red Rock Purslane features showy red and magenta blooms that bring a pop of color to gardens, especially in dry or rocky areas.
• Succulent Foliage: This plant has fleshy, succulent-like leaves that are drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to support a healthy garden ecosystem.
• Drought-Tolerant: Calandrinia umbellata is highly tolerant of dry conditions, making it a perfect plant for areas with little rainfall or for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, water-wise plants.
• Low-Maintenance: Once established, Red Rock Purslane requires very little care. It thrives in well-drained soils and needs minimal watering.

Growing Information:

• Light: Red Rock Purslane requires full sun to grow properly. It thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, slightly sandy or gravelly soil. It can tolerate poor soils and is not picky about soil quality, making it perfect for rock gardens or areas with dry, compacted soil.
• Planting Tips:
  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or sow them directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
  • Press the seeds lightly into the soil, as they need light for germination. A light dusting of soil over the seeds is enough.
  • Keep the soil moist during germination, which usually takes about 7-14 days.
  • Space plants about 6-12 inches apart to give them room to spread and grow.
• Watering: Water regularly during the germination and establishment phases, but once the plant is established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Maintenance: Red Rock Purslane is a low-maintenance plant. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming, and trim back any dead or damaged growth as needed. No pruning is required.

Benefits:

• Drought Tolerance: This plant is perfect for dry conditions, requiring little water once established. It's ideal for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
• Pollinator Attraction: The bright, showy flowers attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, helping to boost biodiversity in your garden.
• Vibrant Landscaping: Red Rock Purslane provides bold color with its ruby-red blooms, making it a stunning addition to gardens, rockeries, and container plantings.
• Low Maintenance: With its tolerance for poor soils, minimal watering needs, and resistance to pests, Red Rock Purslane is an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a fuss-free, beautiful plant.
• Erosion Control: Its low-growing, spreading habit makes Red Rock Purslane an excellent choice for stabilizing soil in rocky or sloped areas, helping to prevent erosion.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 6-10. Red Rock Purslane is a hardy perennial that can survive in mild to warm climates, but may need to be protected in colder regions by bringing pots indoors during the winter or covering with mulch.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Rock Gardens: Due to its low-growing and spreading nature, Red Rock Purslane is perfect for rock gardens, where its bright flowers can stand out against the rugged texture of rocks.
• Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Plant this herb in xeriscaped areas or drought-tolerant gardens to add color and beauty without requiring extra water.
• Container Gardens: Red Rock Purslane does well in containers, especially in areas where you want a pop of color without much maintenance. Its compact size and beautiful flowers make it ideal for balcony, patio, or windowsill gardens.
• Ground Cover: With its spreading habit, this plant can be used as ground cover in sunny, dry areas to help control soil erosion and suppress weeds.
• Pollinator Gardens: Add it to a pollinator-friendly garden to support bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, as its vibrant flowers are highly attractive to these creatures.

Conclusion: Calandrinia umbellata 'Ruby Tuesday', or Red Rock Purslane, is a colorful, low-maintenance plant that thrives in dry, sunny conditions. With its eye-catching red and magenta flowers, it brings beauty to gardens, rockeries, and container plantings, while its drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for water-wise landscaping. Perfect for pollinator gardens, ground cover, or erosion control, Red Rock Purslane offers both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. The 150 seeds in this packet give you the opportunity to grow this vibrant, hardy plant and enjoy its lovely flowers and easy care for years to come.