About
Oxalis vulcanicola, volcanic sorrel, is a spreading, succulent-stemmed, deciduous perennial with striking trilobed, green foliage that turns purple-pink when exposed to sunlight. Small, star-shaped, yellow flowers appear on wiry, purple stems from summer to autumn. The plant rotates its foliage to follow the sun, and the leaves close in the evening. A rewarding and ornamental plant for a warm, frost-free border or container.
About the genus
Oxalis are 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. A diverse genus for sunny or shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitSpreading branched, Trailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Sub-tropical
Native toMexico to Panama
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, 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, snails and vine weevil larvae
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust