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Oxalis palmifrons

palm-leaved sorrel

A slow-growing, spreading, bulbous deciduous perennial, dormant during the summer months and forming rosettes of fleshy, green, palm-tree shaped foliage which can turn red-orange in the autumn. Trumpet-shaped white to pale pink flowers with stripey-yellow centres appear autumn to winter

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn White Pink Green Red Orange
Winter White Pink Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Oxalidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Spreading branched
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

Grow in well-drained, 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, sown with moderate heat in late winter or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and vine weevil larvae

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust

Get involved

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