About
Oxyria digyna, the mountain sorrel, is a compact herbaceous perennial with an upright habit reaching up to 30 cm. It features fleshy, kidney- to heart-shaped leaves forming a basal rosette. Slender, reddish-tinged stems emerge above the foliage bearing loose clusters of small, greenish flowers that deepen to red as they mature from June to August. A rewarding and ornamental alpine for a well-drained, sunny or lightly shaded position.
About the genus
Oxyria are compact herbaceous perennials from mountain habitats with kidney-shaped, fleshy basal leaves and loose clusters of small, greenish-red flowers in summer. Grown in well-drained, sunny or lightly shaded alpine positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toTemp. N. Hemisphere
Care notes
CultivationThrives in moist but free draining soil in cool, shady conditions
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seeds outdoors, self-seeds freely
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free