How many species of Oxalis are there?
However, most of the about 800 species of oxalis are native plants in tropical South America and Africa or in temperate areas of the Old and New World. Many are used for landscaping or as houseplants. Oxalis are perennial plants but can give the appearance of annuals by going dormant in winter or during droughts.
Is Oxalis a weed?
Oxalis is a shamrock-like plant that is also commonly referred to as love plant and wood sorrel. This plant is easy to grow, can sometimes be considered a weed and is a popular perennial plant that shows up around St. Patrick’s Day. Growing Oxalis is actually pretty easy. Keeping it under control can often be a bit trickier for some varieties.
What are the characteristics of Oxalis?
1 Type of Plant. Oxalis is grown from small bulbs. It is relatively a slow growing perennial which spreads easily in a garden bed. 2 Leaves. This plant really pops at the garden centers in early spring. ... 3 Size and Growth Habit. Oxalis is a mounding plant and grows to about 12 inches tall and wide. ...
When does Oxalis triangularis Bloom?
The plant tends to bloom in late spring or early summer. Leaves of oxalis plants The foliage of this plant really pops at the garden centers in early spring. The deep maroon (almost black) leaves of oxalis triangularis stands out near other dark green foliage plants.
Do Oxalis come back every year?
Oxalis are perennial plants but can give the appearance of annuals by going dormant in winter or during droughts. Frost-tender oxalis are sometimes treated as annuals in cold winter areas.
Can Oxalis survive the winter?
Hardiness varies depending on the species, and some, including purple shamrock (Oxalis triangularis), tolerate winters in USDA plant hardiness zone 6. However, most are frost-tender and won't survive frosty weather.
How long do Oxalis plants last?
Caring for shamrock plants during the period of dormancy includes limited watering and withholding of fertilizer. The dormant period when growing oxalis houseplant lasts anywhere from a few weeks to three months, depending on the cultivar and the conditions.
Is Oxalis triangularis a perennial?
Oxalis triangularis, commonly called false shamrock, is a species of perennial plant in the family Oxalidaceae. It is native to several countries in southern South America. This woodsorrel is typically grown as a houseplant but can be grown outside in USDA climate zones 8a–11, preferably in light shade.
How do you keep oxalis over the winter?
If you want to save oxalis year to year, be sure to dig the plant from the container before the first frost. One method of storage is to remove all the foliage, brush the soil from the tubers, wrap when dry in newspaper and overwinter in a cool, dry place.
Is oxalis hybrid A perennial?
Shamrock 'Charmed Wine', Oxalis hybrid 'JROXBURWI' Oxalis 'Charmed Wine' (Shamrock) is an eye-catching perennial, usually grown as an annual, forming a lush mound of velvety, violet-purple, shamrock-shaped leaves. From mid spring to late summer, the handsome foliage is topped by delicate, pinkish-white flowers.
How do you keep Oxalis alive?
Your Oxalis prefers a humid environment, use a humidifier or mist often if the air is dry. Your Oxalis prefers normal room temperatures between 65-75. They cannot tolerate hot temperatures above 75-80 degrees. Feed your Oxalis once a month during spring and summer with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer.
Does Oxalis like sun or shade?
Avoid direct sunlight. Ideally keep this plant in light shade, but Oxalis also handles lower light well. The main attraction of this plant is the stunning purple foliage. However, it does produce delicate white flowers.
Should you cut back Oxalis?
Trim back the browning foliage to about an inch from the plant's base. If possible, move your plant to a cool and dark location and stop watering for 2-3 months. If you can't move the plant, trim back the foliage to ground level and leave the mulch to keep the plant's base cool.
Do Oxalis triangularis bulbs multiply?
Oxalis triangularis reproduce from bulbs. The University of Vermont Extension recommends dividing bulbs toward the end of plant dormancy, indicated by the appearance of new growth. Remove bulbs from their pots and detach the smaller side bulbs.
Can you grow Oxalis from cuttings?
0:522:43How to Propagate Oxalis Triangularis from Petioles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWould simply sever the stem. Once you've plucked a few petals pop them straight into a jar ofMoreWould simply sever the stem. Once you've plucked a few petals pop them straight into a jar of lukewarm. Water keep it in a bright location.
Does Oxalis triangularis go dormant?
Please note that oxalis triangularis occasionally go dormant, looking like the entire plant has died. Because this happens generally during the summer every 2-7 years when the plant is indoors, it seems like a serious problem rather than a periodic event.
What are the colors of oxalis?
While many species of oxalis have beautiful blossoms, these plants are most commonly grown for their foliage. You can often find them in your local florist's shop around St. Patrick's Day as their leaves closely resemble shamrocks and they are often regarded as a sign of luck. These geometric-shape leaves, often triangular in shape, come in shades of purple, burgundy, pink, green, and silvery gray.
How big does Oxalis tetraphylla get?
The center of each is decorated with a purple blotch that looks great against the pink flowers. It grows 10 inches tall and wide. Zones 8-9, though it also thrives as a houseplant.
How should I care for an oxalis plant?
One of the best bets to find out how to care for your oxalis is to research its origin for information on its natural habitat. Then you can learn its proper growing conditions. Many species of oxalis tend to be alpine plants and therefore need well-drained soil and will not tolerate any amount of standing moisture. These are also typically cool-growing plants and do not care for warm summer weather and may even have a summer dormancy period. Many other species are woodland plants which prefer more shaded garden settings and are generally more tolerant of typical garden conditions. There are also tropical species that are not hardy and are accustomed to warmer climates and will fare better in the summer months.
Is Oxalis a perennial?
Oxalis . This diverse genus is comprised of hundreds of species. There's a wide range of annuals, perennials, and even tropical types of oxalis. Many oxalis are bulb-forming plants while others form vigorous spreading plants that can create dense colonies.
Do oxalis need sun?
Sun exposure varies depending on your species. Many of the bulbous types of oxalis require a period of dormancy. The time of year they become dormant varies from species to species. During this period of dormancy it is important to withhold water to encourage dormancy and prevent the bulbs from rotting.
What is an oxalis?
With colorful clover-like leaves and dainty flowers, oxalis are superb accent plants in garden beds and containers. Many oxalis are also perfectly happy as house plants, especially in areas with colder winters.
When do oxalis bloom?
Bloom time: Mid to late summer. Although most oxalis are grown for the foliage, the flowers are the wow factor of this unusual plant with its twisted red-bordered petals. The flowers will only open under the coaxing of sunny weather. Molten Lava™ oxalis.
How to keep oxalis from losing leaves?
During this time, move your plant into a dark place, reduce watering, and stop fertilizing until you see new growth begin. This dormancy period is a good opportunity to divide plants by separating some of the bulbs and replanting them in new pots.
How to force oxalis bulbs to bloom?
Forcing oxalis bulbs: You can also force potted oxalis bulbs indoors before moving them out to the garden by placing them in bright light in a room with cool temperatures (about 55° to 60°F). Keep the soil evenly moist, but not drenched. Once blooms begin to appear, they will often continue for several months.
How to use Oxalis in the garden?
There are many ways to use oxalis in the garden, including: rock gardens, groundcover, edging or front of border, or in containers and hanging baskets.
What color are Oxalis leaves?
Oxalis has a personality all its own, flaunting three-lobed, triangular leaves in rich shades ranging from emerald green to deep maroon and even variegated patterns. You’ll also find some varieties sporting an extra leaf for good measure, just like the lucky four-leaf clover.
Why are oxalis called shamrocks?
Ever wondered why some oxalis are called "butterfly shamrocks”? That’s because their leaves are photophilic, which means they respond to light intensity by folding up at night or on overcast days and reopening when the sun shines. During the day, they may even stretch or change the position of their leaves to capture as much sunlight as possible.
What is an oxalis?
Native to South Africa and the Americas, Oxalis are low-growing annuals or perennials producing lush foliage mounds of attractive, clover-like leaves. During the day the leaves open out to receive sunlight but at night they retract and fold up like small umbrellas, adding interest to the plant. Dainty flowers add their beauty to the display. Oxalis can’t be beat for their stunning foliage and ease of care. Their considerable ornamental appeal makes them first rate plant for rock gardens, borders or containers.
Where does Oxalis adelophylla come from?
Native to Chile and Argentina, Oxalis adelophylla (Silver Shamrock) is a bulbous perennial forming a dense clump of finely incised gray-green leaves composed of several heart-shaped leaflets. In late spring to early summer, open-faced, white flowers, 1 in. across, flushed with purple toward their petal tips and adorned with lilac veins, appear above the handsome, clover-like foliage.
What is a wood sorrel?
Oxalis depressa (Wood Sorrel) is a small tuberous perenni al boasting widely funnel-shaped, bright rose-pink flowers with yellow hearts over a long season. Blooming from summer to fall, they are borne atop the handsome foliage of silvery green, clove-like leaves.
How big do wood sorrels get?
Oxalis griffithii (Wood Sorrel) Oxalis griffithii (Wood Sorrel) is a small perennial boasting slightly nodding, five-petaled, white flowers, 1-2 in. across (2-5 cm), with pale lilac veins over a long season. Blooming intermittently throughout the year, it may bloom all year if given enough light.
Is Oxalis shamrock a perennial?
Oxalis 'Charmed Wine' (Shamrock) is an eye-catching perennial, usually grown as an annual, forming a lush mound of velvety, violet-purple, shamrock-shaped leaves. From mid spring to late summer, the handsome foliage is topped by delicate, pinkish-white flowers.
Do Oxalis flowers open at night?
Dainty flowers add their beauty to the display. Oxalis can’t be beat for their stunning foliage and ease of care.
Is Oxalis purpurea invasive?
They are borne atop velvety, pale green, trefoil leaves covered with silvery hairs. Easy to grow and not invasive, this plant remains green in spring, and is dormant in summer. Read More.
How big does an oxalis grow?
Oxalis is a mounding plant and grows to about 12 inches tall and wide. Some varieties spread quickly and others are fairly slow growing. Some types of the green oxalis can be quite invasive, but the ornamental purple oxalis is easily contained.
When do oxalis flowers bloom?
The flowers grow on top of bare stems and are quite dainty, and thin, like the leaves. The plant tends to bloom in late spring or early summer.
How to grow oxalis bulbs?
Choose a semi sunny location. Till the soil and add organic matter to enrich it. Be sure the soil is well draining. Plant oxalis bulbs 3-4 inches apart. Water well. Fertilize once a month during the growing season with half strength all purpose plant food. Propagate by dividing the clumps of bulbs.
How to get more oxalis?
Get more plants for free by digging up and dividing the clumps of bulbs below the soil. Most oxalis plants remain fairly compact and are unlikely to need division very often in the garden. The plants also self seed so once you have a few plants growing, they will spread.
What kind of soil do oxalis need?
Soil Requirements for oxalis. Well draining soil that is slightly acidic soil is ideal. ( Coffee grounds sprinkled nearby can help with the acidity of the soil.) Using lots of organic matter or compost before you plant the bulbs will be beneficial.
Where is Oxalis found?
It is found in most areas of the world and is very common in Mexico, South Africa and Brazil. The plant is sometimes referred to as a false shamrock because of the shape of its leaves but is not a member of the shamrock family.
Do Oxalis bulbs need fertilizer?
Watering and fertilizer needs of oxalis. Oxalis likes a moist soil that drains well but does not like to be in a soggy spot. Bulbs will rot easily if the soil is too wet, so be careful of over watering. On the other hand, don’t underwater, especially in the middle of summer.
What is an oxalis?
Oxalis ( / ˈɒksəlɪs / (American English) or / ɒksˈɑːlɪs / (British English)) is a large genus of flowering plants in the wood-sorrel family Oxalidaceae, comprising about 570 species.
How many species of Oxalis are there?
Oxalis ( / ˈɒksəlɪs / (American English) or / ɒksˈɑːlɪs / (British English)) is a large genus of flowering plants in the wood-sorrel family Oxalidaceae, comprising about 570 species.
What are some examples of ornamental plants?
As ornamental plants. Several species are grown as pot plants or as ornamental plants in gardens, for example, O. versicolor . Oxalis flowers range in colour from whites to yellows, peaches, pinks, or multi-coloured flowers. Some varieties have double flowers, for example the double form of O. compressus.
What is a wood sorrel?
Wood sorrel (a type of oxalis) is an edible wild plant that has been consumed by humans around the world for millennia. In Dr. James Duke's Handbook of Edible Weeds, he notes that the Native American Kiowa people chewed wood sorrel to alleviate thirst on long trips, the Potawatomi cooked it with sugar to make a dessert, the Algonquin considered it an aphrodisiac, the Cherokee ate wood sorrel to alleviate mouth sores and a sore throat, and the Iroquois ate wood sorrel to help with cramps, fever and nausea.
Where is Oxalis most common?
Several Oxalis species dominate the plant life in local woodland ecosystems, be it Coast Range ecoregion of the North American Pacific Northwest, or the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest in southeastern Australia where least yellow sorrel ( O. exilis) is common.
When is creeping wood sorrel seasonally eaten?
In India, creeping wood sorrel ( O. corniculata) is eaten only seasonally, starting in December–January.
Is Oxalis toxic to humans?
While any oxalic acid-containing plant, such as Oxalis, is toxic to humans in some dosage, the U.S. National Institutes of Health note that oxalic acid is present in many foodstuffs found in the supermarket and its toxicity is generally of little or no consequence for people who eat a variety of foods.
What are the characteristics of woodsorrel?
Identifying characteristics include: heart-shaped leaflets on trifoliolate leaves and cylindrical seed pods. Leaves resemble those of clover, but woodsorrel is not in the legume family. The leaves curl up at night and open in the morning to photosynthesize.
Is Oxalis poisonous to horses?
All parts of the plant have toxic potential, although the possibility of serious effects is usually limited to ingestions of large quantities. Consuming Oxalis species can produce colic in horses, and kidney failure is possible if significant amounts are eaten. Poison Toxic Principle: Soluble calcium oxylates.
Can Oxalis corniculata grow in poor soil?
It can grow in nutritionally poor soil. This plant resembles the common yellow woodsorrel ( Oxalis stricta L.) Insects and Diseases: Plants harbor whitefly and mites. Management of Oxalis corniculata L.: Sanitation is critical in controlling woodsorrel in container plants, especially in propagation areas.
