Flowers in the summer in Phoenix, Arizona

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There is no doubt about it, summer in the Phoenix, Arizona area is brutal. I planted a lot of things here in Trilobite Reef in the spring, and most of it died. But the portulca (Moss Rose) is doing great. This clump is from two tiny sprigs from a six-pack from Summer Winds Nursery on Bell Road. I planted it elsewhere here in The Tropical Paradise, but this is where it is really happy.

This area gets morning sun and a surprising amount of reflected heat from the rocks. I planted portulaca elsewhere, but nowhere else in the garden is it doing as well as here. It's all about location! Apparently it can take as much water as you can give it, as these plants are right next to a spray that comes on every day. Look at the cannas behind them and you can see the leaves have literally burned in the sun. Also notice the burn on the carpet bugle at the base of the cycad and it gives you an idea how terribly hot this area is. But the Moss Rose just goes on blooming!


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