Overview
Oxalis acetosella is a matforming bulbs in the genus Oxalis, part of the Oxalidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Oxalis acetosella grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include ornamental. It is native to Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Portugal Continental.
About
Oxalis acetosella, also known as wood-sorrel or common wood-sorrel, is a herbaceous rhizomatous flowering plant in the family Oxalidaceae. The common name wood-sorrel is often used for other plants in the genus Oxalis. In much of its range, most of Europe and parts of Asia, it is the only member of its genus and hence simply known as wood-sorrel. While 'common wood-sorrel' may be used to differentiate it from most other species, this name is also used for the North American Oxalis montana. In the wild it grows across Manizales, Albania, Algeria, Altay, Amur and other regions. It grows to around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Oxalis acetosella
About the genus
Oxalis is a large genus of flowering plants in the wood-sorrel family, Oxalidaceae, comprising over 550 species. The genus occurs throughout most of the world, except for the polar areas; species diversity is particularly rich in tropical Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Oxalis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Oxalis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Oxalis
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Sand, Loam, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Oxalis acetosella size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental
- Native to
- Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Oxalis acetosella
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Oxalis acetosella?
Oxalis acetosella prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Oxalis acetosella need?
Oxalis acetosella is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sand, loam and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Oxalis acetosella grow?
Oxalis acetosella reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Oxalis acetosella hardy in the UK?
Oxalis acetosella has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Oxalis acetosella?
Seed, Division.
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