Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea
Purple False Shamrock
O. triangularis subsp. papilionacea is a deciduous, winter-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.
Contributed by @marianabyng
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Full sun to partial shade
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Frequent watering
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Not Frost hardy
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Moist and free draining
Common name
Purple False Shamrock
Latin name
Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea
type
Bulb
family
Oxalidaceae
ph
5.6 - 7.8 Acid - Neutral
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
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When the plant will bloom
full grown dimensions
Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea
O. triangularis subsp. papilionacea is a deciduous, winter-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.
Flowering Season
From Early Spring TO Early Summer
Flowering season is from early Spring to early Summer - and sometimes longer.
Planting Outdoors Autumn
From Early Autumn TO Mid Autumn
Plant in partial sun or full shade in Autumn
Planting Outdoors Spring
From Late Winter TO Early Spring
Plant in partial sun or full shade in Spring
Propagation by Division
From Late Winter TO Early Spring
Using a fork dig up plant, try to keep the root ball as complete as possible. Split the root ball at the centre with a sharp knife or a spade. Replant the plants to the same depth as the original and keep well watered until established.