Moss roses are succulents, storing water in large, fleshy leaves. This means that they will be fine if you forget to water them. [1] X Research source They can grow in poor soil or even rock gardens. [2] X Trustworthy Source Missouri Botanical Garden Oldest botanical garden in the U. S. and center for botanical research and science education Go to source However, they might drown in a very rainy climate. Moss roses are low-lying, rarely topping six inches in height. They are good for borders and pots, but do not command large-scale attention on their own. [3] X Research source Moss roses can absorb the carbon dioxide from car exhaust especially efficiently. This means that they are sometimes used to line driveways, or parking lots. [4] X Research source Though some varieties are edible to humans, moss roses are toxic to pets. Do not plant them where a dog or cat can snack on them. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
To know how many moss rose plants you need for a border, measure the length in inches and then divide by 12. Your plants should be spaced about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart, so dividing the total measurement in inches by 12 will give you the approximate number of plants that you need to fill the border while still keeping adequate space between the young plants. Don’t worry; moss roses grow fast, so you won’t have gaps for long. [6] X Research source You don’t have to plant moss roses outside. They are pretty in pots, too, as long as they get plenty of sunlight. [7] X Research source
Seeds are cheaper, and you can start growing them (indoors or outdoors) whenever you’re ready. However, it can be difficult to wait two weeks for them to germinate, and then an additional month until they’re sturdy enough to move. Seedlings are convenient and already healthy, but because a greenhouse has done the work of germination for you, they are often expensive.
Place seeds uncovered on shallow dry soil (a few inches deep is fine) and keep at room temperature. You can sprinkle them with a little water every few days, but they don’t need much. The seeds should germinate within two weeks, but wait an additional month before you move them. [9] X Trustworthy Source Missouri Botanical Garden Oldest botanical garden in the U. S. and center for botanical research and science education Go to source
If you live in a warm area, you can plant seeds directly–just scatter them on the ground and cover them with a little seeding soil. [11] X Research source If you’re transplanting home-grown or commercial seedlings into the warmed ground, dig a small hole twice to three times as wide and equally as deep as the container the seedlings are in, then lift up the plant by its base and place it into the hole. [12] X Research source
Save a few of the heads if you want to reuse the seeds next year. The seeds will need to completely mature on the plant. Do not deadhead the plant if you plan on saving seeds.
