Chisme

Sun or partial sun. Chisme is a prostrate, fleshy annual with pink or purple flowers; the tufts of hair in its leaf axils are distinctive. Like moss rose, it’s a portulaca (purslane) and grows as an annual in warm climates. The name chisme (“gossip”) gives a hint to its behavior in the garden, reseeding easily wherever it finds space. Its small size and pleasant character keep it from becoming a pain, but some weeding is to be expected and it is easily controlled. Chisme works well in a rock garden or in and around pots as a groundcover. Give it good drainage and full sun.