Cistanthe spp.

pussy paws

Montiaceae

Western Americas, chiefly Chile and western North America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Cistanthe spp. is a genus of about 35 species of succulent annuals and perennials in the family Montiaceae, native to the dry western Americas, with centres of diversity in Chile and western North America. Plants have fleshy, often blue-grey or grey-green leaves, held in basal rosettes or along low stems, that store water for dry conditions. From the foliage rise slender, leafless flower stems carrying five-petaled flowers that open in sun. C. grandiflora, rock purslane, forms a mound of paddle-shaped grey leaves and sends up wiry stems 2-3 ft (60-90 cm) tall topped with magenta-purple flowers over a long season. C. umbellata, pussypaws, is a low alpine and desert plant whose clusters of papery pink to white flowers sit close to the rosette like small paws. Most species grow on sand, gravel, and rocky slopes and tolerate heat and drought, but they rot in wet or heavy soil and are damaged by hard frost. Individual flowers are short-lived, though new buds open daily through the season.

Native Range

Native to the western Americas, with most species in Chile and others through western North America from Canada to Mexico. C. grandiflora comes from Chile, and C. umbellata grows in the mountains and deserts of the western United States.

Suggested Uses

Grown in rock gardens, gravel and dry-climate plantings, succulent borders, and containers, spaced 12-24 in (30-60 cm) apart. C. grandiflora is used as a flowering accent in water-wise gardens, and C. umbellata suits troughs and alpine plantings.

How to Identify

Look for fleshy, often blue-grey leaves in a basal rosette or along low, sprawling stems, with leafless flower stalks rising above. The flowers have five papery petals, usually magenta, purple, pink, or white, and open in bright sun. In C. umbellata the flowers cluster tightly just above the rosette like a cat's paw, while in C. grandiflora they are carried on tall, wiry stems well above grey paddle-shaped leaves.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering runs mainly from spring into summer, and in mild climates C. grandiflora can bloom from spring through autumn. Each flower lasts only a day or two, but fresh buds open in succession over many weeks. The flowers close in dull weather and open again in sun.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

magenta, purple, pink, to white

Foliage Description

blue-grey to grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Across the genus, Cistanthe spp. grows in full sun in sandy, gritty, sharply drained soil with a pH of about 6.0 to 7.5. Plants store water in their leaves and tolerate heat and drought once established, but they rot quickly in wet, heavy, or poorly drained soil. Most species are frost-tender and suited to USDA zones 9-11, with some alpine forms taking more cold. Light, occasional watering in dry spells keeps perennial species in growth without overwatering. In containers a cactus or succulent mix drains well enough. Annual species die after setting seed and return from self-sown seedlings.

Pruning

Spent flower stems are sheared off at the base to keep plants tidy and prompt more bloom. Tired or rotted leaves are removed from the rosette. Perennial species are cut back lightly after the main flush, while annual species are pulled once they finish seeding.