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 |
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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 |