About
Oxalis acetosella, the common wood sorrel, is a spreading, rhizomatous perennial to 10 cm when in flower with trifoliate leaves of three heart-shaped, folded, mid-green leaflets. Solitary, funnel-shaped, white flowers with fine pink veins are borne on slender stems from spring to midsummer. A charming native woodland ground cover for a shaded, moist position.
About the genus
Oxalis are annuals or perennials with fibrous, bulbous or rhizomatous rootstocks, palmately divided leaves and funnel-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers that mostly close in dull weather and at night. A diverse genus for sunny or shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in dappled shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring; small sections of rhizome root easily with bottom heat or from seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails outdoors
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rust diseases