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Purple False Shamrock in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

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

 
plant Features
  • Purple False Shamrock likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Purple False Shamrock likes frequent watering

    Frequent watering

  • Purple False Shamrock is not frost hardy

    Not Frost hardy

  • Purple False Shamrock likes moist and free draining

    Moist and free draining

 
plant information

Common name

Purple False Shamrock

Latin name

Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea

type

Bulb

family

Oxalidaceae

ph

5.6 - 7.8 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Purple False Shamrock likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Frost

    Purple False Shamrock is not frost hardy

    Not Frost hardy

  • Soil

    Purple False Shamrock likes moist and free draining

    Moist and free draining

  • Water

    Purple False Shamrock likes frequent watering

    Frequent watering

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant
  •  
    When the plant will bloom

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Purple False Shamrock is 0.50meters x 0.30meters 0.50 M 0.30 M

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.

 
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