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