Purpleleaf false shamrock (Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea) is a bulbous (or similar) plant that can grow 10cm – 50cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Purpleleaf false shamrock (Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea).
This plant is commonly known as purpleleaf false shamrock.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 1-2 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: purpleleaf false shamrock
Scientific name: Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea
Plant type: Bulbs, Conservatory & Greenhouse, Houseplants
Habit: Suckering
Height: 10cm – 50cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil: Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Patio & Container Garden, Sub-tropical
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Purpleleaf false shamrock (Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea) – Jutta234, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, 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 Purpleleaf false shamrock (Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Purpleleaf false shamrock (Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea) is a plant that prefers to grow in loam or sand.
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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.
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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.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Purpleleaf false shamrock (Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea) should be grown in partial shade places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Purpleleaf false shamrock (Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea) – Mark Pellegrini, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
