Oxalis triangularis
purpleleaf false shamrock
A clump-forming, bulbous perennial between 15-30cm tall when in flower, with clover-like leaves with triangular leaflets, green or dark purple with flushes of pale or darker purple. Slender stems bear umbels of funnel-shaped white or pale pink flower above the foliage in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, Neutral, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Purple Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Oxalidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- Peru to Brazil and N Argentina
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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Houseplants
- hanging basket
- Rock garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to rust diseases
Get involved
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