Oxalis Lucky Clover or Iron Cross Clover, a delicate looking plant ...

About The Oxalis Lucky Clover Iron Cross

The Oxalis Lucky Clover goes by several other names...False Shamrock or Iron Cross Lucky Clover. Whatever the name used, I really like this plant.

The name Iron Cross comes from the plants descriptive appearance, namely a maroon cross formed at the center of the four bright green rimmed leaves. In early June the Oxalis Lucky Clover begins to bloom delicate pink flowers. This Oxalis can bloom right through to September.

Did you know that this plant is edible? Not that I would suggest preparing the leaves for a salad, but some gourmet cooks use this Oxalis as a plate garnish. It has a mild lemon taste.

How To Grow The Oxalis Lucky Clover

This is a perennial that is very, very slow to appear in the spring. Have patience. Many a gardener, unless they have marked the spot, have long forgotten about the plant and are pleasantly surprised to see it poke through the ground.

While I have this perennial planted in my shade garden, it can also be planted in sun to part shade. If planted in the shade, make sure not to over water or have it sitting in water as it is a tuber and it will rot. Because the Oxalis prefers a richer soil, I make sure to add well aged manure and compost to the area.

The Oxalis can also be brought indoors prior to the fall frost. Just remember to use the plastic/paper bag trick. Lightly spray the plant with an insecticidal soap and cover with a plastic bag for a few hours. Wash off the plant, re-pot using a sterilized soil mixture in a clean pot.

I would consider the Oxalis almost a specimen plant in that I do not plant it as an edger along a flowerbed, however planting in a grouping within a section of a flowerbed is striking. I have mine planted in shade and therefore great companion plants are the Artemisia Silver Brocade, the Ligularia Othello, Sum and Substance Hosta and the Sedum Dragons Blood.

Check out my Site Index Page for a listing of additional annuals and perennials to plant in your flower garden design.

Oxalis Lucky Clover Features

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