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Oxalis triangularis subsp. triangularis

A clump-forming, bulbous perennial to around 20cm tall when in flower, with shamrock-shaped triangular leaves flushed with vibrant purple-maroon and wine-red which close at night. Small, trumpet-shaped pale pink-white flowers appear on slender stems in summer. Often grown as a houseplant but may be grown in sheltered gardens in warmer parts of the UK

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Ultimate height

0.1–0.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

1–2 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Oxalidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Clump forming
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Can be grown year-round in a cool greenhouse or conservatory or a cool room indoors. Alternatively place outdoors in late spring to early autumn in partial shade. Bring indoors for the winter and provide cool, frost-free conditions. Requires a moisture retentive but well-drained soil mix of equal parts loam, leaf mould (or soil-less compost) and grit. Water moderately when in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep barely moist when dormant in the winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
hanging basket
Houseplants
Mediterranean climate plants
Patio and container plants
Rock garden
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to rust diseases

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