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Oxalis tetraphylla

Image of Oxalis tetraphylla

International Flower Bulb Centre

Family

Oxalidaceae

Botanical Name

Oxalis tetraphylla

Plant Common Name

Four-leaved Pink Sorrel, Goodluck Plant, Lucky Clover, Mexican Wood Sorrel

General Description

Bearing leaves that resemble those of a "four leaf" clover, this tender bulbous perennial is native to uplands of central Mexico.

Perched atop fleshy stems that arise directly from underground bulbs, the leaves have four typically triangular or heart-shaped leaflets, each with a chocolate chevron near its base. In forms such as 'Iron Cross', the entire lower part of the leaflet is chocolate-stained. In late spring and summer, cup-shaped pink to red flowers occur in loose clusters atop naked stems that rise just above the foliage. The blooms have greenish-yellow eyes. Plants form clumps that slowly expand via bulb offsets. Plants go dormant in winter and refoliate in early spring.

Grow goodluck plant in full to partial sun in a moist, welll-drained soil. Reduce watering during its winter dormancy. In areas such as the Southeast United States, it makes a splendid perennial accent for mixed borders and rock gardens, as well as an excellent ground cover. Where not hardy, it works well as a container plant or garden annual. It is widely sold by florists for St. Patrick's Day. Bulbs can be dug in fall and stored in peat or dry potting mix until spring.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    8 - 10

  • Sunset Zone

    7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Bulb or Corm or Tuber

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    5"-6" / 12.7cm - 15.2cm

  • Width

    6"-8" / 15.2cm - 20.3cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer

  • Native To

    Mexico

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow Green, Magenta, Fuchsia

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Light Green, Chocolate

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Chocolate

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Chocolate

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No