Oxalis tetraphylla
four-leaved pink sorrel
A spreading herbaceous perennial up to 10cm in height when in flower, with clover-like green leaves and a dark brown band towards the base of each heart-shaped leaflet. Bright pink funnel-shaped flowers appear from spring to early autumn
Synonyms
Oxalis deppei
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green Brown | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Brown | |||
| Autumn | Pink | Green Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Oxalidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Matforming
- 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
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, nutrient poor 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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Conservatory and greenhouse
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.