Oxalis versicolor
striped-flowered wood sorrel
O. versicolor is a bulbous perennial 8cm tall, forming a clump of light green leaves composed of three narrow leaflets, with funnel-shaped white flowers, margined with crimson beneath giving a striped effect in bud, from late summer into winter
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red White | |||
| Autumn | Red White | |||
| Winter | Red White |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered 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
- South Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, sandy or humus-rich soil in full sun in a sheltered position, or in an alpine house in a mixture of equal parts loam, leaf mould and grit
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to rust diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.