Scurvy grass (Oxalis enneaphylla)

Scurvy grass (Oxalis enneaphylla) 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 Scurvy grass (Oxalis enneaphylla).

This plant is commonly known as scurvy grass.

This is a deciduous plant that takes 5-10 years to reach full maturity.

Plant profile

Common name: scurvy grass
Scientific name: Oxalis enneaphylla
Plant type: Bulbs
Habit: Mat 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
Planting type: Hedging & Screens
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit

Seasonal colors

How to plant Scurvy grass (Oxalis enneaphylla) – C T Johansson, CC BY 3.0, 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 Scurvy grass (Oxalis enneaphylla), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.

Soil

Scurvy grass (Oxalis enneaphylla) 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 enneaphylla likes to grow in well drained soil.

Sunlight

Scurvy grass (Oxalis enneaphylla) should be grown in full sun places.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Scurvy grass (Oxalis enneaphylla) – Salvor Gissurardottir, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons