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Genus Oxalis (Shamrock, Sorrel)

Oxalis Oxalis oregana Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais
oks-AL-iss Common Name: Shamrock, Sorrel
Oxalis is a large genus of about 500 species of annuals and perennials, mainly from southern Africa and South America. They are grown for their shamrock-shaped foliage and their 5-petaled flowers that are cup- or bowl-shaped and open only in sunshine. Oxalis are good for naturalizing, for growing in a rock garden, trough, or raised bed, or as houseplants. Some species are very invasive.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Clover-shaped foliage. Pretty 5-petaled flowers that look like closed umbrellas when in bud.
 Care: Indoors, Oxalis need gritty soil and bright filtered light and low humidity. Water moderately and fertilize monthly while in growth. Keep barely moist when dormant. Outdoors, grow hardy woodland species in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in full or partial shade. Other hardy Oxalis species need full sun and well-drained, organic soil of moderate fertility.
 Propagation: Sow seed at 55° to 64°F in late winter or early spring. Divide in spring. Small pieces of rhizomatous species root readily with bottom heat.
 Problems: Rust, seed smut, powdery mildew, and fungal leaf spots are common, while leaf miners and spider mites sometimes occur.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Oxalis

Oxalis oregana Oxalis oregana
(Redwood sorrel) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Redwood sorrel is a creeping native perennial with shamrock-shaped leaves and cup-shaped pink, lilac, or white flowers over a long period from spring to fall. It makes a nice groundcover.
Oxalis triangularis Oxalis triangularis
(Love plant, Purple shamrock) (5 user reviews)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Purple shamrock's pretty foliage and dainty flowers make it a good choice for containers, borders, or indoors.
Oxalis vulcanicola 'Zinfandel' Oxalis vulcanicola 'Zinfandel'
(Volcanic sorrel) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The old-fashioned shamrock house­plant is now high fashion. Several introductions from Proven Winners push this group to the fore for its elegant foliage; abundant, delicate flowers; and vigor. Only 6 to 10 inches high with a spread to 12 inches, this plant’s tiny, ¾-inch-wide, bronze-colored leaf clusters and bright yellow flowers are massed on trailing stems that spill over the sides of shaded window boxes and containers.