Oxalis melanosticta
black-spotted wood sorrel
O. melanosticta is a bulbous perennial with velvety, pale green, trefoilleaves with silvery hairs that develop in autumn together with the funnel-shaped yellow flowers. The plant remains green in winter and spring, and is dormant in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Yellow | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Oxalidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Oxalis can be annuals or perennials, with fibrous, bulbous or rhizomatous rootstocks, palmately divided leaves and funnel-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers that mostly close in dull weather and at night
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in full sun in moderately fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Suitable for the rock garden, raised beds troughs or alpine house
Propagation
Propagate from seed (indoors), sown with moderate heat in late winter or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to to a rust
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