Mexican Shamrock

Oxalis lasiandra is a charming and unusual tuberous perennial that offers both stunning foliage and vibrant flowers. It produces large, palmately divided leaves with 7 to 10 leaflets that fan out like an umbrella, creating a lush, tropical look. In late summer, clusters of bright, tubular, carmine-pink flowers emerge on long stalks, standing well above the foliage. It reaches a height of about 30-40cm. While it originates from Mexico, it grows well in the UK during the summer months. It is not fully hardy (H3) and the tubers should be lifted in autumn or the pots moved into a frost-free greenhouse. It prefers a well-drained, sandy soil and a position in full sun to ensure maximum flower production. It is an excellent choice for a container plant on a sunny patio or as a curious addition to the front of a summer border where its unique leaf shape can be appreciated.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.