Rock Purslane (Cistanthe grandiflora) | Magenta-Flowering Succulent Perennial

Rock Purslane

1 Gallon

$22.00

1/2

Rock Purslane

Cistanthe grandiflora, Calandrinia (Cistanthe) spectabilis

A drought-tolerant succulent perennial with brilliant satiny magenta flowers on tall stems, blooming from late spring through fall.

$22.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Cistanthe grandiflora (syn. Calandrinia spectabilis) is a striking, succulent perennial prized for its brilliant, satiny magenta flowers and drought-tolerant, architectural form. Native to Chile, this clump-forming plant produces a low mound of fleshy, spoon-shaped, gray-green to blue-green leaves that form an attractive rosette. From late spring through summer, and often into fall, it sends up tall, slender, wiry stems (to 2-3 feet) bearing large, cup-shaped, vivid magenta to purplish-pink flowers with prominent yellow stamens. Each flower lasts only a day, but the plant produces a continuous succession of blooms over many weeks. Remarkably heat and drought tolerant, it is an outstanding choice for rock gardens, succulent gardens, coastal plantings, containers, and sunny borders with well-drained soil.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Fleshy, spoon-shaped, gray-green to blue-green leaves forming a low rosette; large, cup-shaped, satiny magenta to purplish-pink flowers (1-2 inches wide) with yellow stamens, held on tall, slender stems; blooms from late spring through summer into fall .
Mature Height: 2-3 ft – flower stems; foliage mound is shorter
Mature Spread: 2-3 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 8-10 ; Sunset 15-17, 20-24
Light Requirement: Full sun (essential for best flowering and compact growth)
Core Benefits: Brilliant magenta flowers, long bloom season, exceptionally heat and drought tolerant, succulent gray-green foliage, low maintenance, deer resistant.
Best Uses: Rock gardens, succulent gardens, coastal gardens, Mediterranean gardens, xeriscape plantings, containers, sunny borders, mass plantings.

Q: How large does Rock Purslane get?
A: The fleshy foliage forms a low mound of 1 foot (0.3 m) or less in height, but the flower stems rise to 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) tall. The plant spreads 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) wide.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best flowering?
A: For the most abundant and vibrant flower display, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). In partial shade, the plant will become leggy, and flowering will be significantly reduced.

Q: How long does it bloom?
A: Rock Purslane has a long bloom season, typically from late spring through summer and often into fall . Each individual flower lasts only one day, but the plant produces a continuous succession of new blooms over many weeks.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. Water regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system. After that, it requires little to no supplemental water. Overwatering or poorly drained soil will cause root rot.

Q: Does it need deadheading?
A: No, individual flowers last only one day and drop off cleanly. The flower stems can be cut back to the base after blooming has finished to encourage fresh foliage and maintain a tidy appearance.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, the fleshy, succulent foliage is generally not favored by deer or rabbits, making Rock Purslane an excellent choice for gardens with wildlife pressure.

Q: Can it be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for container plantings. Use a pot with excellent drainage and a well-draining cactus/succulent potting mix. Its drought tolerance makes it forgiving for container gardeners.

Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: It is reliably hardy in USDA zones 8-10. In zone 8, it may need protection from hard freezes. In colder zones (USDA 7 and below), it can be grown as an annual or in a container and overwintered indoors in a bright, cool location.

Q: Why are the flowers closing?
A: The flowers naturally open in full sun and close in the evening or on cloudy days. This is normal behavior and part of the plant's charm. On sunny days, the blooms will open fully.