Are moss roses *supposed* to bloom only for a few hours?

Question

I have moss roses growing outdoors in several stone pots. They get lots of sun. In the mornings I see a handful of new blooms, but by the time I come home for lunch around noon, the blooms have closed for good. (In the evening I deadhead them). Is this normal, or should the blooms be lasting longer? Can I make them stay open longer?

Answer 1

How hot is your soil?  The hotter it is, the faster they will close.

Answer 2

I do not dead head mine and they are in bloom from early morning until early evening.  Mine also only get morning sun, from sunrise to about 1 pm.

Answer 3

From:

http://www.gardenersnet.com/flower/mossr...

"Grow Moss Rose plants in full sun. Plants prefer average to poor soils. They prefer loose, sandy or loam soil. A well draining composition is important.

Moss Rose is drought and heart tolerant. In the flower garden, watering is seldom needed. If growing in containers or hanging pots, allow the soil to dry between watering. Add a general purpose, high nitrogen fertilizer when first planting, to help them to get a good start. Add a high Phosphorous fertilizer just before blooming. No other fertilizer applications should be needed for the season.

Moss Rose produce tough, long lasting, rose-like blooms, in early summer. Pinch or deadhead spent flowers to promote more blooms.

Prune plants to create a fuller, neater appearance. Provide plenty of air circulation through the plant to help avoid fungal disease.

Plants are annuals that are very susceptible to frost. Cover them up whenever cold temperatures are expected.

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Insect and Disease:

Aphids, gnats, and other insects can pose a problem. Treat with insecticide or repellents, as needed. Snails and slugs can also be a problem. See more on Snail and Slug Control.

Fungus diseases can occur. Use a general purpose fungicide in humid weather, and when problems appear.

Stem and root rot can occur.  This is a problem in wet soil. Avoid problems by planting in sandy, or other well draining soil. A slightly elevated planting bed also helps to avoid this problem."

Answer 4

Also called Portulaca  they open in the sunshine.I use a systemic rose fertilizer (Bayer) on mine, they get plenty of sun and are beautiful.I will trim them back a little every two weeks or so just taking off a couple inches at a time.Lots of sun is what they like they will bloom all day. Once every couple months i put a banana peel around my flowering plants. This is one of the highest sources of natural potash you can get, great for blooming plants.