OXALIS - THE SMALL AND BEAUTIFUL
Here again we have another flowering plant from
Oxalis is from the Greek Oxis meaning acid, which refers to the acidity of the leaves. Commonly known as wood sorrel or shamrock.
Oxalis are characterised by their clover-like leaves which close up at night and open during the day. The flowers are usually funnel-shaped.
Common Name: Oxalis Iron Cross, Good Luck Plant
Botanical Name: Oxalis deppei
Sunlight: Full sun to light shineHardiness: Throughout
Height: 25-30 cm
Color: Rosy pink flowers and foliage with purple cross-shaped markings
Flowering Time: Flowers in 10-12 weeks from planting
Bulb Size: 5-6 cm long, the largest size commercially available
If you've always believed that flowers are mandatory for a colorful garden, allow us to introduce Iron Cross oxalis. It produces clusters of rosy pink blossoms in the summer but what really pushes this winner to the front of the pack is its foliage. Deep purple markings highlight the junction of the four heart-shaped leaves for dramatic additions to urns, windowboxes and sunny windowsills. Colorful year-round.
Where to plant:
Outdoor Beds
1. Find a location where the soil drains well. If there are still water puddles 5-6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site. Or amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 2-3 inches to improve the drainage. Peat moss, compost, ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and are widely available.
2. Site your oxalis where they will get full day sun. They will also grow in light shade, but will produce more flowers and triangularsis leaf color will be more brilliant in stronger light.
3. Dig little holes and plant the bulbs 1”-1 1/2” deep and 3”-4” apart. Just poke them down in the soil, don't worry about which side is up. They'll grow from any position.
4. After planting, water well, thoroughly soaking the area. Foliage will form in about 6 weeks and flowers in 8-10 weeks.
5. When blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year's show. Water as needed during active growth periods.
6. Late in the summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage many be removed at this point. Your oxalis will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.
Common name: Purple Wood Sorrel, Oxalis
Botanical name: Oxalis purpurea/variabilis
Family: Oxalidaceae (wood sorrel family)
This species of oxalis or wood sorrel is native to the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) It is a bulbous, stemless perennial that grows only 4-5" tall. The familiar clover-like leaves have three rounded often center-creased green leaflets that are purplish below. Dark rose, rose pink, violet or white 5-petaled solitary flowers (1-2" diameter) with yellow throats appear throughout the summer. Oxalis purpurea is often considered invasive, since it multiplies by bulb production, seeds, and runners. Prefers partial shade or partial sun; soil should be dry to moist.
Pots, Tubs, Urns & Windowboxes
1. Fill your containers with good quality, well-drained soil. Almost any commercially available potting medium will work fine. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes; oxalis bulbs must not sit in waterlogged soil or they will rot.
2. Site your oxalis where they will get full day sun. They will also grow in light shade, but will produce more flowers and triangularsis leaf color will be more brilliant in stronger light. Consider potting a few bulbs for indoor enjoyment.
3. Dig little holes and plant the bulbs 1”-1 1/2” deep and 3”-4” apart. Just poke them down in the soil, don't worry about which side is up. They'll grow from any position.
4. After planting, water well, thoroughly soaking the area. Foliage will form in about 6 weeks and flowers in 8-10 weeks.
5. When blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year's show. Water as needed during active growth periods.
6. Late in the summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage many be removed at this point. Your oxalis will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.
Quantity of bulbs per pot - tips:
For 12-15” pots - plant 15
For 10” pots - plant 10
For 8” pots - plant 5