Oxalis

Oxalis Plants: An Eye-Catching, Low-Maintenance Flowering Bulb
The genus Oxalis, commonly known as ‘Shamrock’ or ‘Wood Sorrel’, makes a small yet striking addition to any garden. Its clover-like (trifoliate) leaves and delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers appear in a range of colours, offering refined charm and vibrant contrast. Thanks to their compact habit, Oxalis plants are perfectly suited to containers, rockeries, and smaller garden spaces, and they also serve beautifully as ground cover between paving stones. These graceful plants provide structure and seasonal colour throughout the growing season, all without overpowering your outdoor space.

But Oxalis offers more than just visual appeal. Certain varieties attract bees and butterflies, bringing gentle movement and a touch of wildlife to your garden with minimal effort. These bulbs are remarkably easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Once planted, they quietly flourish year after year during late spring to early summer.

Stunning Varieties: From Creeping Wood Sorrel To Yellow Sorrel
Oxalis belongs to the wood-sorrel family and encompasses over 550 species, each with its distinctive charm. Take, for example, the Oxalis ‘Latifolia’ (Fishtail Oxalis), with its unique, fishtail-shaped leaves, or Oxalis ‘Corniculata’ (Creeping Wood Sorrel, also known as Procumbent Yellow Sorrel or Sleeping Beauty), admired for its bright yellow flowers. At DutchGrown, you’ll discover some of the most striking and garden-worthy selections available:

• Oxalis ‘Versicolor’ (Candy Cane Sorrel): This charming variety is renowned for its distinctive red-and-white striped flowers, reminiscent of candy canes.
• Oxalis ‘Double Trouble’: This delightful cultivar produces blooms that open in a warm, salmon-pink shade, gradually fading to a radiant, golden-yellow hue.
• Oxalis ‘Adenophylla’ (Silver Shamrock Plant): This variety is prized for its clover-like, grey-green foliage and delicate pink to purple flowers.
• Oxalis ‘Golden Cape’: Small yet striking, its golden-yellow blooms, edged with vibrant red, are truly eye-catching.

How To Care For Oxalis? The Best Tips For Maximum Effect
Most Oxalis varieties are wonderfully easy to grow. However, to achieve the best results in your garden, it’s advisable to follow a few simple guidelines. Begin by planting your Oxalis bulbs at the appropriate time, when soil temperatures fall to 15°C or below, typically between September and November. Select a site that receives full sun to partial shade, and ensure the soil is well-drained. If planting in containers, opt for a light potting mix.

Plant the bulbs 2.5 to 5 cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards. Space them 7.5 to 10 cm apart to allow sufficient room for growth and natural spreading. After planting, water the soil lightly to moisten it. Keep the soil slightly damp (avoid soggy soil) as the bulbs sprout.

Once established, Oxalis requires minimal maintenance. Remove spent flowers and yellowing foliage to encourage fresh growth. Prune back any leggy stems to maintain a compact shape. The plant will naturally go dormant. Do you live in a region with cool temperatures during winter? If so, protect the bulbs by either relocating potted plants to a sheltered, frost-free place or applying a layer of mulch in the garden.

From Yellow To Pink Flowers: Discover Oxalis Bulbs At DutchGrown
Ready to introduce new plants to your garden? At DutchGrown, you will find a carefully curated selection of Oxalis bulbs for autumn planting. Each variety has been selected for its beauty, performance, and reliability in the garden. Whether you're drawn to striking bicoloured types or more delicate varieties. Looking for spring-planted Oxalis? These are also available in our collection. Explore our top-quality Oxalis bulbs and look forward to the charm, vibrant colour, and low-maintenance appeal they bring when the season arrives. We offer delivery across the United Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oxalis

Does Oxalis Like Sun Or Shade?
Oxalis thrives in full sun but also performs well in partial shade, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of gardens. Aim to provide around 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day. A location with bright, indirect light typically yields the healthiest growth and most vibrant blooms.

What Is The Common Name For Oxalis?
Oxalis is commonly known as ‘Shamrock’ or ‘Wood Sorrel’, names inspired by its lucky, clover-like leaves (often three leaflets) and delicate, trumpet-shaped (double) flowers. Certain varieties are also referred to as yellow or pink sorrels, depending on their flower colour. You may also come across names such as ‘False Shamrock,’ ‘Sourgrass,’ or simply ‘Oxalises.’

Is Oxalis An Indoor Or Outdoor Plant?
Oxalis can be grown both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. Outdoors, it flourishes in borders, rockeries, or containers placed in sunny to partially shaded positions. Indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light and makes an attractive, low-maintenance houseplant.

Is Oxalis An Annual Or Perennial?
Oxalis is a perennial, meaning it will return year after year when grown in suitable conditions. With the right care, it can naturalise easily and reappear each growing season.

How Do You Care For Oxalis?
Plant Oxalis between September and November in well-drained soil, in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Place the bulbs 2.5 to 5 cm deep, with the tips pointing upwards. Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering. Remove any wilted leaves and spent flowers regularly to encourage healthy growth. In colder regions, Oxalis bulbs require winter protection.