About

A clump-forming, bulbous perennial 20cm tall when in flower, with clover-like leaves with triangular leaflets, bright purple. Slender stems bear umbels of funnel-shaped pale whitish-purple flowers 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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Herbaceous Perennial
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, Hanging basket, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained, sandy or humus-rich soil in part shade 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