Plant of the Week: Jewels of Opar

Jewels of Opar (Talinum paniculatum ‘Verde’) is a self-sowing annual and a member of the Portulacaceae family, also known as the purslane family. The plant is drought-tolerant and loves heat, making it an exceptional choice for container gardens. Jewels of Opar has mounding dark green leaves that are slightly succulent. Arching multibranched sprays produce one-sixteenth-inch hot pink flowers. The flowers are followed by the “jewels”: one-sixteenth-inch round burgundy fruits. The loose growth of the plant’s branches and its light, airy feel create a bright yet transparent screen. The plant throws seed voluntarily and will grow in any soil, which can be problematic in some gardens. Jewels of Opar can be seen in hanging baskets in the common of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Community Garden Campus at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

— Barbara Arnold

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens