Silver Shamrock

A delightful alpine tuberous perennial that is perfectly suited to the UK rock garden or cold greenhouse. Oxalis adenophylla forms low, neat cushions of incredibly attractive, grey-green, crinkled foliage that looks like miniature fans. In late spring and early summer, it is smothered with funnel-shaped, silvery-pink flowers with deeper purple throats. Unlike many other members of its genus, this species is relatively hardy in the UK (H4), provided it is grown in a very well-drained spot where it won't sit in winter wet. It originates from the high Andes, so it appreciates a position in full sun but with cool roots. It is ideal for planting in troughs, raised beds, or at the edge of a gravel path. The tubers are small and bulb-like, and the plant goes dormant in late summer after flowering. It is a non-invasive species, unlike some of its more troublesome relatives.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Gritty, very well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.