Chilean wood sorrel (Oxalis perdicaria) is a bulbous (or similar) plant that can grow up to 10cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Chilean wood sorrel (Oxalis perdicaria).
This plant is commonly known as Chilean wood sorrel.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 5-10 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: Chilean wood sorrel
Scientific name: Oxalis perdicaria
Plant type: Bulbs
Habit: Clump-forming
Height: Up to 10cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Patio & Container Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Chilean wood sorrel (Oxalis perdicaria) – Pato Novoa, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bulbous plants are found all over the world in habitats as diverse as woods, meadows, riverbanks, rocky hills and mountains.
There are bulbs suitable for all types of garden design.
Most have their own limited flowering season, but with careful planning it is possible to combine this period of interest with the other plants in the garden.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Chilean wood sorrel (Oxalis perdicaria), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Chilean wood sorrel (Oxalis perdicaria) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
-
The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
-
The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
-
Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Oxalis perdicaria likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Chilean wood sorrel (Oxalis perdicaria) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Chilean wood sorrel (Oxalis perdicaria) – Pato Novoa, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
