There are some plants out there that kind of have it all: the looks, the versatility, adaptability, and ease of care. Oxalis is definitely one of them. If you don’t consider yourself to have the greenest of thumbs, this versatile beauty should be perfect for you! What’s not to love? If you’ve never grown Oxalis, worry not. We’ve put together a list of reasons why we absolutely love this plant and some tips, tricks, and guidelines for planting and caring for Oxalis.
All About Oxalis
Oxalis, also commonly referred to as Shamrock or Wood Sorrel, makes up a pretty large family of flowering plants in the Sorrel family. There are hundreds of different species of them, and they are found all over the world, although they are native to South Africa and South America.
They produce five-petaled flowers primarily on three or four-leafed plants that make for a beautiful mounding addition to any garden. They’re smaller in stature, usually growing to about six to 12 inches tall, and come in a wide range of colors. Oxalis foliage ranges from a dramatic maroon, almost dark purple shade to white flecked, emerald green, while their dainty blooms come in white, purples, and some pink variations.
Reasons Why We Love Oxalis
Oxalis is a truly versatile beauty. It can play a triple duty in the garden, containers, or even as a houseplant. Oxalis is surprisingly easy to care for, and both its blooms and foliage are quite beautiful. Here are a few more detailed reasons as to why we love Oxalis!
1. Oxalis is Shade Tolerant
Shade-tolerant perennials are hard to come by sometimes, but Oxalis doesn’t mind being thrown a little shade. While you don’t want to plant it in a dark corner where it gets no light, Oxalis will grow well in everything from full sun to partial shade. If you are growing it outdoors and live in a relatively hot climate, Oxalis will likely need protection from the hot afternoon sun.
2. If Your Plants Need Some “Shoes and Socks,” Oxalis is Ideal
Bare soil is not typical in the natural world. Plants tend to grow in groups, supporting one another. Moss on a forest floor and the trees above it are mutually beneficial, and this is a concept that every gardener should learn how to emulate! Taller, leggier perennials in your garden can benefit greatly if you give them some “shoes and socks,” which is the term that we use for smaller, more mounding plants that can keep the bare stems of spring bulbs from being exposed. Oxalis is an ideal choice for this purpose!
The height, visual interest, and variety of Oxalis all make it an ideal candidate as a filler when container planting.
3. They Make for Wonderful Filler Plants in Containers
One of the most common formulas to create eye-catching containers is the ‘thriller, filler, spiller’ concept. Your thriller is generally a taller plant that acts as the focal point of the container; the spiller is the anchor which ‘spills’ over the side of the pot, and the filler brings substance and volume. The height, visual interest, and variety of Oxalis all make it an ideal candidate as a filler when container planting.
4. They Are Adaptable as Houseplants
The versatility of Oxalis truly astounds us. They are happy in the garden, containers, or joining the ranks as a bonafide houseplant. That’s right; you can enjoy the beauty of Oxalis through all four seasons if you want to. You might not notice as well in the garden, but by having them in your home, you will be treated to their fascinating movement. Yes, they move! Their leaves fold up at night, making a potted Oxalis look like the sweetest little swarm of beautiful butterflies!
How To Care for Oxalis
Learning how to care for your Oxalis plant is not complicated as they are fairly easy-going plants. Your care requirements will differ slightly depending on whether you plant your Oxalis outdoors or inside in a pot.
Indoors, Oxalis enjoys bright but indirect sunlight, so they will likely be happiest next to a window with a bit of a sheer curtain. They like to follow the sun, so try to rotate the plant every time you water it, or you might be left wondering how your Oxalis got a little lopsided. It prefers moist but well-draining soil. If your pot does not have proper drainage, you will run the risk of root rot.
As we mentioned earlier, if you want to plant Oxalis outdoors in the garden, how much sun it gets is something you can play around with a little bit. Plant Oxalis anywhere that they will receive partial to full sun, but where they will be protected from the super intense afternoon sun (particularly if you live in a hot climate).
Speaking of climate, Oxalis is what we like to call a “temperennial,” which means that they are perennial to a certain point. Their hardiness level varies slightly depending on the species. Oxalis triangularis, for example, is only hardy up to Zone 8. Generally, none of them will survive a hard frost of any kind, but they can overwinter indoors if you live in a cooler climate.
Oxalis Varieties
We love Oxalis for its versatility, beauty, and the variety in both its blooms and foliage. Here are a few of our favorites.
Oxalis triangularis: Also known as Purple Shamrock, has strikingly beautiful dark purple foliage, which set the perfect background for their soft purple, dainty little flowers. This variety of Oxalis is a wonderful companion plant, pairing perfectly with the contrasting foliage of Ferns and Caladiums.
Oxalis regnellii ‘Fanny’: Each three-lobed green leaf is decorated with silver margins, and when in bloom, it dons soft pink flowers. Its more traditional coloring makes it easy to pair with all kinds of perennial bulbs in the garden or a container.
Oxalis tetraphylla: Also known as ‘Iron Cross’ or the Good Luck Plant, Oxalis tetraphylla forms a lush mound of green leaves with four heart-shaped leaflets that feature a cross-shaped ‘port wine outline in the center. Its fabulous foliage is adorned with sprays of trumpet-like bright pink flowers when in bloom.
We really can’t say enough wonderful things about Oxalis. If you’re hoping to get your own Oxalis collection started, you’ll be pleased to know we carry them as part of our Spring and Fall catalogues, so you have double the chances of bringing home your favorites. Lucky you!
