Oxalis Triangularis Papilionacea is a deciduous, Summer-dormant, frost-tender bulbous plant, producing purple foliage from spring to autumn and white to pale-pink starry flowers in summer New:Oxalis leaves are palmate with 3 – 12 leaflets – often clover-like. Some species are invasive and considered to be weeds. Others make excellent ground cover or houseplants. Most are frost tender and suitable for greenhouses or conservatory in cooler climes. ‘Oxalis triangularis’ – commonly called ‘false shamrock’ – is a species of edible perennial plant endemic to Brazil. Oxalis triangularis is a non-invasive wood sorrel which, like other bulbs, has a dormancy period at the end of which the bulbs can be dug up, , bulbils removed and replanted to grow into new plants. The leaves of Oxalis triangularis react to light levels, opening in strong light (in the day) and closing at low light levels (at night). The small pinkish or white colored blooms are an attractive addition to the rich purple leaves, which are the star of the show. There is also the plain green type which look similar to a four leaf clover, minus a leaf.
A marvellous foliage plant whose opulent, trifoliate, dark purple leaves, with brighter chevron markings, are immediately coveted and then gaped at incredulously after learning it is not only an Oxalis, a genus deleteriously dismissed, but easily grown in any well drained soil, sun or shade. The attractive, pale pink, five petalled, bell-like flowers are merely an added bonus. Slowly clump forming it usually takes a year or so to establish it’s fleshy tap root before looking brilliant and then tolerates dry spells or excessive heat by going temporarily dormant, as it does through winter, though it may still continue to flower even without leaves. Sensational in a pot deep enough to accommodate a root system that while relatively deep is not aggressive and plays well with companions.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet