Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea (Purple Shamrock)
Purple Shamrock, False Shamrock, Oxalis regnellii, Oxalis regnellii 'Brazilian Butterfly', Oxalis regnellii triangularis, False Shamrock 'Atropurpurea'
Adding striking color to borders or pots, Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea (Purple Shamrock) is a bulbous plant forming a lush foliage mound of deep burgundy, 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. In summer, umbels of delicate, five-petaled flowers, white to 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, Purple Shamrock is not invasive and is a good choice for containers, borders, or indoors. Great as a ground cover in mild winter areas.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- 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 part shade . Water regularly during the active growing season, but allow the surface soil to dry out between waterings. Keep barely moist when dormant in the winter
- 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
Not sure which Oxalis to pick?
Compare All Oxalis
Buy Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea (Purple Shamrock)
Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Oxalis |
Exposure | 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 | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, 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 | 6
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Oxalis |
Exposure | 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 | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |