Oxalis melanosticta

RHS Plant Profile
black-spotted wood sorrel

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black-spotted wood sorrel RHS
Alpine Rockery Bulbs

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed
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)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Oxalidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to to a rust