Oxalis triangularis (False Shamrock)
False Shamrock, Purple Shamrock
Sought after for its beauty, Oxalis triangularis (False Shamrock) is a bulbous plant forming a lush foliage clump of trifoliate leaves that close at night and open wide to the morning light. Each leaf has the shape of a little heart but is triangular like butterfly wings. Depending on the variety, the foliage may be rich purple or green, sometimes with a darker triangle of color in the center. In summer, umbels of delicate, five-petaled flowers, white or pale lavender-pink, appear atop slender stems, above the handsome clover-like foliage. This is a very easy foliage plant to cultivate and maintain. Incredibly long-lived, False Shamrock is a good choice for containers, borders, or indoors. Great as a ground cover in mild winter areas.
- Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 12-24 in wide (30-60 cm).
- Easily grown in light (sandy), medium (loamy), well-drained soils in bright light or part shade. Water regularly during the active growing season, but allow the surface soil to dry out between waterings.
- Well-suited to borders, containers, woodland gardens
- Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Propagate by seed or division
- False Shamrock is also considered an invasive plant in some parts of the world.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
- Native to Brazil
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Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Oxalis |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
ninglu / psstockfoto / 123RF Stock Photo
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Oxalis |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |