Oxalis
( OX - al - iss )
Oxalis Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Oxalis vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Oxalis acetosella (Wood Sorrel, Shamrock) This species grows best in zones 1-10 and 14-24; it is native to many northern temperate regions of the globe. It reaches 5 inches tall and spreads via rhizomes. Blooms appear in late springtime and are white with purple to pink veins. It can be somewhat invasive in woodland areas. |
Oxalis adenophylla This species is best in zones 4-9 and 12-24, and is native to South America. It has a dense, compact habit reaching 4 inches tall and 6 inches wide. Each leaf has many grey-green leaflets. Flowers are lilac-pink and have deeper pink veins, blooming in late spring on 4-6 inch tall stems. These are great candidates for rock gardens and can also be grown in pots or in the ground. It needs great drainage, and should be planted in fall. |
Oxalis hirta This species of Oxalis grows best in zones 8, 9 and 14-24, and is native to South Africa. Reaches a foot tall and a foot and ahalf wide. It has an upright, branching habit that droops somewhat under the weight of the foliage and flowers. Leaves are small and pale green, and flowers are pink, blooming in late fall and winter. Plant goes dormant in summer. To plant, space 3-5 inches apart and and an inch deep. This species is a great candidate for rock gardens. |
Oxalis oregana (Redwood Sorrel, Oregon Oxalis) This species grows well in zones 4-9 and 14-24, and is native to the forests on the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. It reaches 10 inches tall and spreads by rhizomes. It blooms in spring and fall, with flowers in white or pink with lavender veining. It makes an attractive shady area groundcover and will choke out other plants nearby. It is considered somewhat invasive, especially in favorable conditions. It can tolerate wet conditions, but will die back in cooler temperatures. |
Oxalis purpurea (Oxalis variabilis) This species is best in zones 8, 9 and 12-24. It is native to South Africa, and reaches 4 inches tall and 6 inches wide. Leaves are dark green and flowers are rosey-red, blooming in fall and winter. It spreads by both bulbs and rhizomatous roots but is not aggressive or considered invasive. Plant bulbs an inch deep and 3-5 inches apart. Variety 'Grand Duchess' has larger flowers i rose-pink, white and lavender. |
Oxalis spiralis vulcanicola
This species grows best in zones 8, 9 and 12-24, and its varieties are more well-known, and more widely grown, than the species. Choice selections are described below.
This species grows best in zones 8, 9 and 12-24, and its varieties are more well-known, and more widely grown, than the species. Choice selections are described below.
'Zinfandel'
Foliage is blackish-purple and this plant reaches 6-10 inches tall. Flowers are small and yellow, and do not produce seed. This variety is considered less invasive than others. |
'Molten Lava'
This variety is similar in looks to 'Zinfandel', but has yellow-green to orange leaves instead of blackish purple ones. |
Oxalis tetraphylla (Oxalis deppei) (Lucky Clover) This species reaches 6-10 inches tall and forms a clump that spreads slowly by tubers. Leaves are medium green and are banded with purple at the base. Flowers are bright pink and bloom in spring through summer. This plant needs well draining soil and is great in containers. It grows best in zones 7-9 and 12-24 and is native to Mexico. |
Oxalis triangularis papilionacea 'Atropurpurea' (Oxalis regnelliii trianglaris) (Purple Shamrock) This species grows best in zones 7-9 and 12-24 and is native to South America. It reaches 12 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide, and forms a mound of burgundy foliage. Flowers are light pink. This plant is wonderful for containers and is not invasive. |
Oxalis versicolor (Candy Cane Sorrel) This species is best in zones 6-9 and 14-24; it is native to South Africa. It reaches 3-6 inches tall and 8 inches wide. Leaves are medium green, and flowers are white and funnel-shaped. Petals have a crimson coloring on the backsides. Bulbs should be planted in fall for springtime blooms, set 1 inch deep and 3-5 inches apart. |
Caring for Name
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 000 - 000, Name
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