Oxalis triangularis
Houseplants & Succulents

Oxalis triangularis

Oxalis triangularis

Oxalis triangularis · Light: Shade · Water: Moderate. Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.

LightShade
WaterModerate
DifficultyEasy to moderate
CategoryHouseplants & Succulents
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Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.

Oxalis triangularis — Growing reference

Scientific nameOxalis triangularis
First harvest or flowering (days)30–60
Measured fromTransplant
Plant spacing (cm)10.2–20.3
Mature height (cm)20.3–35.6
Mature spread (cm)20.3–35.6
USDA hardiness zones7–10
LightShade
WaterModerate
Sowing methodBulb

Growing directions

Plant small rhizomes 1 inch deep in moist, slightly acidic, humus-rich soil in partial shade; purple shamrock is one of the most charming and versatile small shade plants, producing triangular, folded leaves in deep burgundy-purple with three leaflets that look exactly like large, richly colored shamrocks. The leaves fold downward at night and in strong sun (nyctinasty), 'sleeping' closed before reopening each morning. Small pink flowers are produced on delicate stems above the foliage from spring through fall. It is outstanding in containers, window boxes, and as a low border edging in partial shade. The leaves and flowers are edible with a pleasant sorrel-like tartness (high in oxalic acid — consume only in small amounts). In zone 7–10 the rhizomes overwinter in the ground; the plant may go partly dormant in hot summers and resprout in fall with cooler temperatures.

Source and local conditions

Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.

OpenPlantDB · oxalis-triangularis

Source & verification

OpenPlantDB · CC0

Open reference source ↗