Oxalis tetraphylla 'Iron Cross'
Garden Plant Information

Oxalis tetraphylla - foliage

 

Oxalis tetraphylla - flowers

Name

Oxalis tetraphylla 'Iron Cross' (also called Sorrel)

Genus  

Oxalis

Species

tetraphylla

Cultivar/variety

'Iron Cross'

General description

Tuft-forming, tuberous, herbaceous perennial with tubular pink flowers in small umbels. It looks very pretty when planted in small clumps at the edge of paths. Attractive to insects.

Season of interest

Interesting foliage and pink flowers in spring and summer.

Key horticultural features

  1. Lightly haired leaves divided into four leaflets, like a four-leafed clover. Purple splotched towards leaf base, with mid green tips. H & S 15cm

  2. Salmony pink, umbrella shaped flowers, borne in small umbels, open to become widely funnel shaped with greenish centre and yellow stamens.

  3. Stems of flowers and leaves - long, round, slender. Brownish red to green.

  4. Spreading habit makes this plant suitable for forming carpets under trees.

Cultural details

Aspect

Sheltered, full sun or light shade.

Soil

Moist, well drained.

Hardiness

Hardy to –5c.

Maintenance

May be a bit invasive so clear out unwanted tubers in spring.

Propagation

Divide tubers in spring.