false shamrock
Oxalis triangularis
RHS AGM 2002
USDA zones8 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size6 to 18 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Purple, white
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral, alkaline
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
False shamrock (Oxalis triangularis) is a bulb for borders, containers, and shade gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, sandy or loamy soil. White flowers tinged rose or violet open in many-flowered clusters that attract butterflies. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. Van der Meer introduced it in 1989.
Pairs well with Japanese forest grass, Lamb’s ear, and Mondo grass.
Native range
Brasil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina.