Oxalis: Lucky Shamrocks

March is the perfect time to find exotic shamrock varieties to grow indoors. Though they are not true clovers, their three-leaflet foliage reminds us of St. Patrick’s Day and the coming spring season. Grown from small bulbs, shamrocks come in many varieties, with green, purple, and variegated leaves. Give your oxalis plant medium to bright indirect light and somewhat moist soil.

Oxalis plants can go dormant if growing conditions are not ideal, so if your plant’s leaves die back, place the pot in a dark area and limit watering. When new shoots emerge, move your shamrock to bright light and increase watering.

Looking for a perennial shamrock for your garden? In addition to houseplant shamrocks, Dammann’s Garden Company will carry an outdoor variety called Strawberry Shamrocks (oxalis crassipe ‘Rosea’), which bloom June through September and prefer light to dense shade.