Oxalis purpurea 'Garnet'

Oxalis purpurea 'Garnet' is a very attractive representative of the purple Oxalis, which enhances the vivacity of its colours and is as generous as it is easy to live with. It is a non-invasive small bulbous plant that forms over time a carpet of deep chocolate purple clover leaves, animated by a multitude of bright pink flowers with golden hearts for several months. In Mediterranean climates, flowering occurs in autumn and winter, and the plant rests throughout the summer. Elsewhere, this flowering will be more likely in spring. A lovely rock garden plant that also adapts very well to pot cultivation.

Oxalis purpurea 'Garnet' belongs to the Oxalidaceae family and its ancestor is native to South Africa. It is an herbaceous plant that grows from a small "bulb", or more precisely a tuberized rhizome. The hardiness of this plant allows it to withstand a brief frost of -10°C (14°F) if the soil is very well drained, almost dry. The vegetation emerges from the ground in autumn and disappears before summer, which corresponds to its resting period. The plant measures about 10cm (4in) in height and spreads on the ground, sometimes covering an area larger than 60cm². Without stems, it develops leaves carried by a long petiole emerging directly from the rhizome. The leaf, carried by a red petiole, is divided into 3 generally triangular leaflets, of variable shape, and purple-brown in colour. The leaves orient themselves following the light: they close on the petiole in the evening and spread out at sunrise. The flowering is long, from October to March in Mediterranean climates. Elsewhere, the plant usually flowers from March to June-July, and sometimes again in September-October. The flowers are carried by a long petiole and have a funnel shape with 5 rounded lobes.

Mostly perennial plants with bulbous or rhizomatous roots, Oxalis are rarely used, yet they flower abundantly and have a wide range of uses. In short, they are plants for gardeners who want to venture off the beaten path. The Oxalis purpurea Garnet will make a big impact in a rock garden, but also in a hanging basket or flower pot. For example, you can associate it with small spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocuses) or other ground-covering plants such as aubrietas, silver baskets, sedums...