Oxalis Versicolor

Oxalis versicolor, often called Candy Cane Sorrel or Peppermint Oxalis, is a little gem that brings a splash of cheer to garden borders, pots, and rockeries. This compact beauty grows to a tidy height of 10–15 cm, with charming, clover-like foliage. But it’s the flowers that truly steal the show—peppermint-striped buds that unfurl on sunny days to reveal pristine white petals inside. A simple, delightful transformation that adds real personality to any planting scheme.

The Peppermint Oxalis thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, asking for very little fuss in return. Planted in autumn, the bulbs settle quietly through winter and begin to bloom from late summer into early autumn, typically August to October in the UK. It’s a brilliant choice for gardeners looking to keep their outdoor spaces vibrant just as the season starts to slow down.

A Charming Habit:
One of the joys of Oxalis versicolor is its interactive nature—the flowers close up on cloudy days and each evening, returning to their candy-striped form like they’re tucking themselves in for the night. It’s a small, daily delight that keeps you checking back for more.

Unlike many other low-growing bulbs, Candy Cane Sorrel bulbs subtly spreads over time, forming pretty little clusters that return year after year. It pairs beautifully with other autumn-flowering plants and is especially striking in containers or nestled into gravel paths and alpine beds where its petite size can shine.

We ship Oxalis versicolor bulbs in autumn, ready for planting as soon as you receive them. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this cheerful, easy-going plant is bound to raise a smile.

• Botanical name: Oxalis versicolor
• Common name: Candy cane sorrel and Peppermint Oxalis
• Flower colour: White with red-striped buds
  
• Established height: 10-15cm
• Established spread: 10-15cm
• Plant spacing: 75-100 bulbs per m²
• Leaf colour: Bright green
• Habit: Clump-forming · Spreading
• Life cycle: Perennial · Naturalising
• Hardiness: Frost tender – protect in harsh winters
• Years to establish: 1-2 years
• Sunlight: Full sun · Partial shade
• Position: Sheltered
  
• Suitable for: Pots · Window boxes · Rock gardens · Borders
• Soil acidity: Any
• Soil moisture: Free draining
• Soil type: Loam · Sandy · Stony · Multipurpose compost
• Growing skill: Easy to grow
• Scented: No
• Pollinator-friendly: No
• Mouse resistant: No
• Rabbit resistant: No
• Deer resistant: Yes
  
• Time of dispatch: Autumn 
• Plant in: Autumn
• We ship from: London