About
A deciduous, winter-dormant, frost-tender bulbous plant, producing purple foliage from spring to autumn and white to pale-pink starry flowers 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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Care notes
CultivationCan be grown year-round in a cool greenhouse or conservatory or a cool room indoors. Alternatively place outdoors in late spring to early autumn in partial shade. Bring indoors for the winter and provide cool, frost-free conditions. Requires a moisture retentive but well-drained soil mix of equal parts loam, leaf mould (or soil-less compost) and grit. Water moderately when in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep barely moist when dormant in the winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rust diseases