Oxalis adenophylla (Silver Shamrock)

Native to Chile and Argentina, Oxalis adelophylla (Silver Shamrock) is a bulbous perennial forming a dense clump of finely incised gray-green leaves composed of several heart-shaped leaflets. In late spring to early summer, open-faced, white flowers, 1 in. across, flushed with purple toward their petal tips and adorned with lilac veins, appear above the handsome, clover-like foliage. Very cold hardy, Silver Shamrock also does well in mild climates as long as the soil is kept moist but well-drained. Its considerable ornamental appeal makes it a first-rate plant for rock gardens, borders, and containers.

It is a member of the Oxalidaceae family (wood sorrel family), home to ornamental favorites like the star fruit, little tree plant, violet wood sorrel, redwood sorrel, and the iconic good luck plant. Other notable members include the striking false shamrock, purple shamrock, and the eye-catching candy cane sorrel.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up to 3-4 in. tall (7-10 cm) and 4-6 in wide (10-15 cm). In optimum growing conditions, this little plant with its peculiarly shaped tubers will have no trouble naturalizing.
• Easily grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.
• Undemanding and virtually pest and disease-free, Silver Shamrock is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, rock gardens, or containers.
• Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Propagate by seed, sown with moderate heat in late winter or early spring.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.