Oxalis triangularis (False Shamrock)
Sought after for its beauty, Oxalis triangularis (False Shamrock) is a bulbous plant forming a lush foliage clump of 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. Depending on the variety, the foliage may be rich purple or green, sometimes with a darker triangle of color in the center.
Sought after for its beauty, Oxalis triangularis (False Shamrock) is a bulbous plant forming a lush foliage clump of 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. Depending on the variety, the foliage may be rich purple or green, sometimes with a darker triangle of color in the center. In summer, umbels of delicate, five-petaled flowers, white or 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, False Shamrock is a good choice for containers, borders, or indoors. Great as a ground cover in mild winter areas.
- 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 bright light or part shade. Water regularly during the active growing season, but allow the surface soil to dry out between waterings.
- 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 | 8 – 11 |
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Heat Zones | 1 – 9 |
Climate Zones | 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Oxalis |
Exposure | Full Sun, 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 | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |