Re: Oxalis
Liz Runciman wrote:
>This is a hideous pest, however I think Tradescantia (sorry don't know the
>species of the wretched thing) and Vinca major are WORSE. At least if you
>go on grubbing up oxalis it eventually admits defeat - tradescantia, NEVER.
I have to agree with you there Liz. Upon realising that Tradescantia
albifora and its varieties were hardy here, I foolishly planted (and
for a fleeting moment, nurtured) the variety known here as 'Maiden's
Blush'. Now as a variegated plant it has its merits - deep green leaf
base with a mainly white blade in warmer weather, which takes on rich
pink and eventually magenta tones as temperatures start to drop back
in late summer. By November and early December its is a startling
sight and only a frost of minus 3 or 4C seems to finally force it to
ground for the winter.
However it has run about everywhere with the same vigour and urgency
as our native couch grass. Despite the soft, succulent stems (which
go down as well as sideways), it even manages to force its way into
stone walls etc. I've fought with this thug for nearly 5 years now,
but can guarantee having to dig up several barrow loads this coming
spring.
Dave Poole
