About
A clump-forming, bulbous perennial between 15-30cm tall when in flower, with clover-like leaves with triangular leaflets, green or dark purple with flushes of pale or darker purple. Slender stems bear umbels of funnel-shaped white or pale pink flower above the foliage in summer.
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 typeSand, Loam, Chalk
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Houseplants, Hanging basket, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toPeru to Brazil and N Argentina
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, sandy or 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 or division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails outdoors
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rust diseases