Overview
Oxalis triangularis is a clump forming alpine rockery 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 1-2 years. Oxalis triangularis grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, banks and slopes and ground cover.
About
Oxalis triangularis, commonly known as purpleleaf false shamrock, is a clump-forming cultivar within the Oxalis genus. This deciduous plant typically reaches a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, achieving full size within 1 to 2 years. It thrives in partial shade with a preference for south, east, or west-facing aspects in sheltered locations. Suitable for alpine rockeries, conservatories, greenhouses, and as a houseplant, it grows well in moist but well-drained sandy, loamy, or chalk soils with alkaline, neutral, or acid pH. Its season of interest is summer.
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, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Oxalis triangularis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Banks and slopes, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Oxalis triangularis
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Oxalis triangularis?
Oxalis triangularis prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Oxalis triangularis need?
Oxalis triangularis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sand, loam and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Oxalis triangularis grow?
Oxalis triangularis reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Oxalis triangularis hardy in the UK?
Oxalis triangularis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Oxalis triangularis?
Division in spring, Seed.
