Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Alpine RockeryBulbsConservatory Greenhouse

Oxalis versicolor

striped-flowered wood sorrel

A bulbous perennial 8cm tall, forming a clump of light green leaves composed of three narrow leaflets, with funnel-shaped white flowers, margined with crimson beneath giving a striped effect in bud, from late summer into winter

Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Red White
Autumn Red White
Winter Red White
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Oxalidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
South Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, sandy or 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

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • hanging basket
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails outdoors

Diseases

May be susceptible to rust diseases

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.