Shamrock Plants
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Purple shamrock
Oxalis triangularis, Zones 8–11
This South American native is perhaps one of the most popular shamrocks, and for good reason. Its dark mauve, triangle-shaped foliage has a purple patterning in the middle of the leaves. The foliage rests below bright white flowers on light green stems. The flowers seem almost blindingly white against the dark foliage, although they can also have a pinkish or lavender hue. Flowers bloom from fall through spring, and the plant goes into a period of dormancy in summer, when it loses its leaves. This species grows ½ to 1 foot tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. It prefers full sun to partial shade (the more shade, the hotter the climate) and moist but well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic. Purple shamrock is also popular as a houseplant and is relatively easy to grow as one. It can be potted up with a standard houseplant potting mix and stuck in the direct light of a window. As a houseplant, it should have a relatively humid environment and be watered and fertilized regularly. When it goes into its dormancy period, just place it in a darker space, withhold fertilizer, and decrease watering.
Green Shamrock
Redwood sorrel
Oxalis oregana, Zones 7–9
Native to the West Coast forests of the United States, this charming shamrock looks remarkably like clover, with its heart-shaped light green leaves. It spreads via rhizomes, with plants growing half a foot tall and several feet wide. Cup-shaped flowers bloom from spring to fall and are white with purple stripes on the inner petals and yellow centers. Redwood sorrel prefers moist, acidic soil that won’t dry out. This plant makes the perfect evergreen ground cover in a woodland garden with partial, dappled shade.
With their delicate blooms and wow-worthy foliage, shamrocks won’t disappoint, whether you grow them as annuals, perennials, or houseplants. For more information on shamrocks, check out The History of the Shamrock.
Oxalis triangularis, Zones 8–11
This South American native is perhaps one of the most popular shamrocks, and for good reason. Its dark mauve, triangle-shaped foliage has a purple patterning in the middle of the leaves. The foliage rests below bright white flowers on light green stems. The flowers seem almost blindingly white against the dark foliage, although they can also have a pinkish or lavender hue. Flowers bloom from fall through spring, and the plant goes into a period of dormancy in summer, when it loses its leaves. This species grows ½ to 1 foot tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. It prefers full sun to partial shade (the more shade, the hotter the climate) and moist but well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic. Purple shamrock is also popular as a houseplant and is relatively easy to grow as one. It can be potted up with a standard houseplant potting mix and stuck in the direct light of a window. As a houseplant, it should have a relatively humid environment and be watered and fertilized regularly. When it goes into its dormancy period, just place it in a darker space, withhold fertilizer, and decrease watering.
Green Shamrock
Redwood sorrel
Oxalis oregana, Zones 7–9
Native to the West Coast forests of the United States, this charming shamrock looks remarkably like clover, with its heart-shaped light green leaves. It spreads via rhizomes, with plants growing half a foot tall and several feet wide. Cup-shaped flowers bloom from spring to fall and are white with purple stripes on the inner petals and yellow centers. Redwood sorrel prefers moist, acidic soil that won’t dry out. This plant makes the perfect evergreen ground cover in a woodland garden with partial, dappled shade.
With their delicate blooms and wow-worthy foliage, shamrocks won’t disappoint, whether you grow them as annuals, perennials, or houseplants. For more information on shamrocks, check out The History of the Shamrock.