Overview
Oxalis violacea is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Oxalis, part of the Oxalidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Oxalis violacea grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, rock garden and cottage and informal garden.
About
Oxalis violacea, commonly known as violet wood sorrel, is a clump-forming perennial bulb suitable for alpine rockeries and informal gardens. This deciduous plant features palmately divided foliage and funnel-shaped flowers that bloom in spring. It thrives in full sun on well-drained soils ranging from chalk to sand, and tolerates a variety of soil pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is best grown in exposed, west- or south-facing positions. Propagation is by division in spring, with small rhizome sections rooting readily under bottom heat.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Oxalis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Oxalis violacea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs, Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Oxalis violacea
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring; small sections of the rhizomes root readily with bottom heat
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Oxalis violacea?
Oxalis violacea prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Oxalis violacea need?
Oxalis violacea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Oxalis violacea hardy in the UK?
Oxalis violacea has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Oxalis violacea?
Propagate by division in spring; small sections of the rhizomes root readily with bottom heat.
More in the Oxalis genus
- Oxalis acetosellacommon wood sorrel
- Oxalis articulata subsp. rubra 'Alba'
- Oxalis bowiei
- Oxalis debilis var. debilis
- Oxalis incarnatapale pink sorrel
- Oxalis obliquifolia
- Oxalis ortgiesiitree oxalis
- Oxalis purpurea
