Plant of the Week: Oxalis aka Shamrock

 

Photo courtesy of Catholic Review

St. Patrick’s Day celebration traditions include the wearing of green, a fun parade, corned beef and cabbage, some Guinness, Jamison’s or green bear, and a shamrock plant.

Legend has it that St. Patrick used the three-leaved Shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity-the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- to the Irish in the 5^th century. The tradition of wearing a shamrock dates back to the 1700’s.

The shamrocks we sell are in the Oxalis family. They can be grown from bulb-like rhizomes, found in our garden shop. Large, blooming shamrocks are featured in our greenhouse this time of year.

Oxalis  green with white or pale pink flowers

The shamrocks have clover-like leaves, in green, purple, or with an Iron Cross. Though primarily sold as houseplants, they can also grow as annuals in spring and summer. They contrast beautifully with other annuals in containers.  

Purple Shamrock Oxalis triangularis

Use a good potting mix. Place in full sun to partial shade and allow the surface of the soil to dry between waterings. The plant may go dormant in the winter (cut back on watering) and reemerge in spring.

Oxalis tetraphylla-Iron Cross Shamrock blooms are dark pink

Don’t be concerned when the leaves close up at night or when disturbed. That’s normal for the Oxalis.  

Though Oxalis may be carried all year, we have the best selection for several weeks preceding St. Patrick's Day. 

"Never iron a four-leaf clover; you don't want to press your luck".