Moss rose flowers (Portulaca grandiflora) are summer flowering annuals, which need replanting each year. Moss roses grow 8 inches tall and produce orange, rose, yellow and white blossoms. These annuals provide color in the home landscape. Moss rose flowers tolerate poor soil and drought conditions. Transplanting moss rose flowers establishes a flower bed or moves stray seedlings. Moss rose plants self-seed each year. Transplant this annual after all danger of spring frost has passed.
Remove grass, weeds and debris from an area in full sun exposure. The site needs four to six hours of sunlight each day. Loosen the soil to the depth of 6 to 10 inches with a shovel. Break up any soil clumps with the edge of a garden hoe.
Spread a 2-inch layer of compost, pine bark humus or leaf mold over the top of the soil. Mix this organic material into the loose soil. Adding organic matter improves the drainage of the planting site.
Sprinkle 1 pound of 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer over 100 square feet of garden space. Mix the fertilizer into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil. Rake the planting area smooth and level.
Dig a hole the size of the moss rose root ball with a hand trowel. Remove the seedling from its plant pot, or dig the seedling up. Place the moss rose seedling in the hole.
Fill the hole with soil and gently firm the soil around the plant to hold it in place. Space the rest of the moss rose plants 10 to 12 inches apart. Sprinkle the area with water until the soil is wet. Keep the soil moist for the next two to three weeks while the roots are growing.