Purple Shamrock

Botanical Name: Oxalis regnellii

Purple Shamrock grows in a clump habit of striking purple foliage. Its triangular-shaped leaves fold along the vein and look like butterflies fluttering above slender stems. Many varieties are available, including 'Triangularis' pictured here. Other common names for this plant are False Shamrock and Shamrock Plant.

You can expect an abundance of soft-pink flowers to appear in spring. Dainty, five-petaled blooms rise like trumpets above the mounds of purple, clover-like leaves.

Don't let its fragile appearance deceive you. This is one of the easiest flowering house plants to grow as long as you can keep it moist and shaded. Oxalis plants may go dormant if the soil is allowed to dry out or if it's exposed to hot, direct sun. Don't worry, it will come back. Just cut off all the leaves and you'll have a healthy, thriving plant in just a few weeks.

This happy-go-lucky plant seems content to be anywhere. You can grow Purple Shamrock indoors year-round, or move it outside on a shady patio for the summer. It can be planted outdoors in frost-free regions, but it's fast- spreading and can be invasive in the garden.

Origin: Brazil

Height: 6-12 in (15-30 cm)

Light: Bright light

Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings.

Humidity: Average indoor humidity

Temperature: Prefers cool temperatures, especially while in bloom; 55-65°F, 13-18°C at night/not warmer than 75°F, 24°C during the day.

Soil: Any good potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks while plant is growing with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. When blooming stops, feed every other month.

Propagation: Divide the plant by gently pulling apart its small, tuberous roots into smaller clumps and potting them in separate containers.