About

This clump-forming perennial to 20cm with lime green leaves composed of three, heart-shaped leaflets. Small clusters of pink flowers appear in summer and early autumn. The leaf veins are picked out in yellow giving a netted effect.

About the genus

Oxalis can be 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

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeBulbs, Herbaceous Perennial, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrows from a scaly bulb, but also produces fleshy storage roots, and fibrous roots. Persistent, and able to spread quickly via bulbils if soil is disturbed so best confined to a container. May also be grown as a houseplant. See oxalis for more information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by separating bulbils
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails outdoors
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rust diseases