Redwood Sorrel

Oxalis oregana is a vigorous and attractive ground-cover plant that is well-suited to the darker, damper areas of UK woodland gardens. It features large, shamrock-like, clover-green leaves that often have a purplish underside. In spring and summer, it produces pretty, five-petalled flowers that range from white to pale pink with delicate purple veining. A fascinating feature of this plant is the way its leaves fold downwards in direct light or heavy rain to protect themselves. Reaching only 15cm in height, it creates a lush, dense carpet that is very effective at suppressing weeds. It is fully hardy (H4) but prefers a sheltered, shaded spot that remains consistently moist. In the British climate, it is a great choice for planting under the shade of mature trees where few other plants will grow. While it can spread quite rapidly in ideal conditions, it is easily managed and provides a beautiful, soft texture to the forest floor.

Sun: Full shade.

Soil: Moist, humus-rich soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Apr, May, Jun, Jul.