Oxalis crassipes 'Rosea' |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Oxalis-Strawberry
Common Name (Alternative): Pink Wood Sorrel |
A popular shade plant that just doesn't know when to quit blooming! Although it's a perennial, this plant blooms like an annual from late spring to early fall if kept moist. Vivid green, clover-like leaves are dotted with bright pink flowers that butterflies adore and are nice in fresh bouquets.
The plant forms a low mound that is the perfect size for edging or containers. Like many oxalis, the leaves of this variety close up at night or when light levels are very low. It does not set viable seed, so there's no need to fear that it will become a nuisance in the garden. This variety has been used in Southern gardens for many years.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
10-12 Inches
Spread:
14-16 Inches
Flower Color:
Pink shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Full shade (< 4 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Want to see wings?:
Attracts butterflies
How fast should it grow?:
Medium
When should it bloom?:
Late spring
Early summer
Midsummer
Late summer
How's your soil?:
Poor Soil
Average Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Container/Patio
Woodland/Shade
Eclectic
Though there are a number of conflicting reports on whether this plant prefers full sun, part shade, or full shade, everyone seems to agree that it grows best in part shade. Average, well-drained soil is sufficient. If no supplemental water is provided during hot, dry summers, this plant may go dormant but it will reemerge in fall and rebloom. Propagate it by division.
Oxalis is from the Greek word meaning "sharp", referring to the sharp taste of the leaves which contain oxalic acid.
There are about 850 known species of Oxalis.