The month of March is all about action in the garden. It’s time to seed warm-weather annuals, divide perennials, prepare planting beds, and spruce up winter-worn containers. Oxalis, a member of the wood-sorrel family, is an easy solution for a quick pick-me-up throughout—that is, if you can choose among more than 800 species. Here are three varieties guaranteed to make a statement with the colorful leaves that earned them the common name of “false shamrocks.”
‘Charmed Wine’ (Oxalis regnellii)
Create depth with this specimen’s cabernet-colored foliage and delicate, white trumpet flowers, which bloom in spring through early summer. A shade lover, the 2001 hybrid is both eye-catching and hardy.
Hardiness: Zones 8-11
Light: Full to partial shade
Soil: Well-draining
Water: Allow surface to dry between waterings.
Maintain: Fertilize every three weeks.
‘Charmed Jade’ (Oxalis regnellii)
'Charmed Jade’ is a delightful little plant, maxing out at 16 inches tall like its ‘Charmed Wine’ sister. Large green leaves dusted with silver provide comely contrast to white five-petal flowers.
Hardiness: Zones 8-11
Light: Full to partial shade
Soil: Well-draining
Water: Allow surface to dry between waterings.
Maintain: Fertilize every three weeks.
‘Molten Lava’ (Oxalis vulcanicola)
This sprawling filler’s chartreuse foliage turns a red-rimmed orange when exposed to extra light. Coupled with yellow blossoms in mid-spring, its six- to 10-inch profile paints a mini sunset.
Hardiness: Zones 9-11
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-draining
Water: Allow surface to dry between waterings.
Maintain: Fertilize every three weeks.