About
Oxalis adenophylla, the Chilean wood sorrel, is a bulbous perennial forming a compact clump to 10 cm tall and 15 cm wide with greyish, folded leaves composed of several narrow, heart-shaped leaflets. Solitary, bright, rosy-pink flowers, paler in the centre with a purple throat, appear in late spring. An ornamental and compact alpine bulb for a sunny rock garden or raised bed.
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
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Alpine Rockery
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden
Native toArgentina, Chile
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in any moderately fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Suitable for rock garden, raised bed, trough or alpine house
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown with moderate heat in late winter or early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust