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The Tucson Gardener |
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Oxalis, One More Time It was just three purchases. A few dollars here, a few there. The postage cost me more than the bulbs. Well it would have been four purchases, but they didn't have any more of the plant in stock. I don't think it's really a disorder. I like to try growing new plants. Did you know there are about 500 species of Oxalis? And, no I don't think I'm going to plant them all. I keep seeing them in garden catalogs. I can't really tell what they look like from the photos. That's why I buy them. I'm not compulsive. You just think I am. They're easy to grow. They come from either little rhizomes or bulbs and then the foliage is really neat because it looks somewhat like a four leaf clover. My Oxalis triangularis has deep wine colored leaves with a blotch in the center. The plant produces small pink flowers and I grow it in white hanging baskets that get full shade all summer all summer long. Oxalis regnelli has green leaves and white flowers but the leaves seem to burn on their tips no matter where I hang them. It's my least favorite.
And Dr. Sigmund, my new species is really fascinating. Oxalis tetraphylla or Oxalis deppei. Wish everyone would make up their mind so I know what to call it. Its common name is Iron Cross because of the dark blotch in the center. Sometimes the older leaves turn yellow and look like a touch of fall color before I pull them off. The tall stemmed flowers are a rosy red. And this was the first Oxalis I planted that looked like a bulb instead of the dead looking rhizomes I planted for triangularis and regnelli. Oh, and doctor did I tell you Iron Cross is sometimes called lucky clover or good luck plant. You might want to get some bulbs and plant them, too. Why you ask? Well, Dr. Sigmund, I think you're going to need a bit of good luck if you think I'm going to pay you for this therapy session. (2005) |
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