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.

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.

  • 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.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 9

Heat Zones 6
– 8

Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Oxalis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 3"
– 4"
(7cm
– 10cm)
Spread 4"
– 6"
(10cm
– 15cm)
Spacing 3″ (7cm)
Depth 4"
(10cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage