Oxalis purpurea – Oxalis variabilis – Shamrock – Wood-sorrel –

Description

Oxalis – Shamrock – Wood-sorrel – There are about 500 specious of fibrous rooted, bulbous, rhizomatous, or tuberous annual and perennials, some of which are invasive weeds, and a few weak stemmed subshrubs, in this genus. They occur in open habitats or in woodland, and widely distributed, with many species from South Africa, and South America. Those grown as ornamental are valued for their palmate, often clover like foliage (some have leaves that fold at night), and for their funnel to cup or bowl shaped, usually pink, white or yellow, 5 petaled flowers, sometimes umbel-like, and usually open only in sunlight, closing in dull weather or at night. Woodland species, such as O. acetosella and O. regana, are suitable for naturalizing in a shady site. Many of the hardy species from Southern Africa and South America, as various cultivars are suitable for a rock garden, raised bed, or trough. Grow hardy woodland species in full or partial shade. Other hardy species need full sun and well drained, moderately fertile, humus rich soil. Divide in spring. Prone to rust, seed smut, powdery mildew, fungal leaf spots, leaf miners , and spider mites. O. purpurea – O. variabilis – This variable, bulbous perennial from South Africa grows 4″ tall and 6″ wide. It produces white hairy, deep green leaves, each with 3 diamond shaped to rounded or broadly obovate leaflets, these are often deep purple beneath, 3/4″ long, and hairy at the margins and on the surface. From autumn to spring it bears solitary, widely funnel shaped, cream, white, pink, or purple flowers, to 2″ across, all with soft yellow centers. Spreads slowly but is not invasive. Zones 9-11