Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea (Purple Shamrock)
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.
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
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 |








