About

This slow-growing, spreading, bulbous deciduous perennial, dormant during the summer months and forming rosettes of fleshy, green, palm-tree shaped foliage which can turn red-orange in the autumn. Trumpet-shaped white to pale pink flowers with stripey-yellow centres appear autumn to winter.

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

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Bulbs
HabitClump forming, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun in a sheltered position, or in an alpine house in a mixture of equal parts loam, leaf mould and grit
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown with moderate heat in late winter or early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and vine weevil larvae
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust