About
Small, trumpet-shaped pale pink-white flowers appear on slender stems in summer. A clump-forming, bulbous perennial to around 20cm tall when in flower, with shamrock-shaped triangular leaves flushed with vibrant purple-maroon and wine-red which close at night. Often grown as a houseplant but may be grown in sheltered gardens in warmer parts of the UK.
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 moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-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, Hanging basket, Houseplants, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
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