What is a Shamrock and How do You Grow Them?

These tender perennials are beloved for their year-round interest and dynamic foliage

Shamrocks ( Oxalisspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–11 ) , also known as woodwind instrument sorrels , are belovedannualand perennial plants known for their typical foliage that resemble trefoil ( Trifoliumspp . ) . Trifolium dubium leave are often triangular or heart - form , and they derive in shades of violet , burgundy , pinkish , light-green , and silver gray . This is a large genus , with over 800 metal money , and it can be detect growing all over the world , on every continent except Antarctica . It ’s impossible to describe how to deal for the genus as a whole ; the species are so different , and together they represent almost every growing precondition available , from rainforest to mountainsides to the tropics . But what all hop clover share is their out - of - this - world foliage and colorful flush . Here are four arresting shamrocks to add to your garden this class .

‘Zinfandel’ shamrock

Oxalis spiralissubsp.vulcanicola‘Zinfandel ’ , Zones 9–11

‘ Zinfandel ’ shamrock has dark burgundy evergreen foliage that contrast sharply with its bright , cheery yellow flowers . This tender repeated blooms consistently from late natural spring through summer in very hot climates . In milder climates , such as on a coast , it blossom almost year - round , although it goes into a humble dormancy in wintertime . The flowers , which are held above pinkish stems , have minor burgundy stripes on their throats that dead complement the dark foliage below . Mature plant accomplish about 1 foot marvelous and 2 infantry wide . This subspecies , which is also called volcanic Jamaica sorrel , is native to Central America and can take full sunshine to partial shade . It has semi - succulent foliage and is very drought tolerant , preferring well - drain soil .

Purple shamrock

Oxalis triangularis , zone 8–11

This South American native is perhaps one of the most popular cuckoo bread , and for well reason . Its dark mauve , triangle - shaped foliage has a purple patterning in the middle of the leaves . The foliage breathe below bright whitened blossom on tripping green stems . The flowers seem almost blindingly white against the dark foliage , although they can also have a pinkish or lavender hue . flower flower from decline through spring , and the plant plump into a period of dormancy in summer , when it suffer its farewell . This specie grows ½ to 1 metrical unit tall and 1 to 2 foot panoptic . It prefers full sun to partial shade ( the more ghost , the hotter the climate ) and moist but well - drained territory that ’s more or less acid . Purple shamrock is also democratic as a houseplant and is relatively easy to grow as one . It can be pot up with a standard houseplant potting mix and stuck in the direct light of a window . As ahouseplant , it should have a relatively humid environment and be water and fertilized on a regular basis . When it goes into its quiescence period , just place it in a darker space , withholdfertilizer , and fall watering .

Charmed®Wine shamrock

Oxalis triangularis‘JROXBURWI ’ , zone 8–11

For anupgraded classic , try out this stellar cultivar of purple shamrock . This industrial plant was bred by Proven Winners for use as an yearbook or a houseplant , although it can still be grown as a perennial in affectionate - enough climate . Like the straight species , this flora has deeply purple leaves and white flowers , although its leaf is a little more maroon than that of the straight species . Unlike its parent , it ’s kind of cryptical shade . While it can also be grown in full Lord’s Day , it prefers at least partial subtlety . Charmed ® Wine shamrock will grow ½ to 1½ feet marvelous and 1 foot wide with a mounding drug abuse . It flowers throughout spring and summer with nodeadheadingnecessary , making it a truly unstoppable annual for geographical zone 7 and below .

Redwood sorrel

Oxalis oregana , Zones 7–9

Nativeto the West Coast forests of the United States , this wizardly shamrock looks remarkably like clover , with its heart - shaped calorie-free green leave . It spreads via rhizomes , with plants growing half a substructure tall and several feet spacious . cupful - shaped flower blossom from spring to descend and are white with purple stripe on the inner petals and xanthous centers . Redwood red sorrel opt moist , acidic dirt that wo n’t dry out . This industrial plant makes the perfect evergreenground coverin awoodland gardenwith partial , mottled shade .

With their delicate blooms and wow - worthy foliage , shamrocks wo n’t let down , whether you grow them as annuals , perennials , or houseplants . For more data on shamrocks , tally outThe History of the Shamrock .

*Invasive alert

Some coinage of shamrock may be invasive in constituent of the United States . Most notably , creeping Grant Wood oxalis ( Oxalis corniculata , Zones 7–11 ) is encroaching in California , and buttercup oxalis ( Oxalis pes - caprae , Zones 8–11 ) is invasive in California and Arizona .

Diana Koehm is the adjunct editor forFine Gardening .

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Purple shamrock

Purple shamrock is popular as both a tender perennial and a houseplant.Photo: Michelle Gervais

Zinfandel shamrock

‘Zinfandel’ shamrock’s unique brown-red foliage contrasts well with its yellow flowers.Photo: Jennifer Benner

purple shamrock

With its nearly black leaves and white flowers, purple shamrock is stunning indoors or out.Photo: Jennifer Benner

Charmed Wine shamrock

Charmed®Wine shamrock is bred with spring- and summer-blooming flowers, making it a better pick than the species for gardeners to grow as an annual.Photo: Michelle Gervais

Redwood sorrel