Re: oxalis was: Advise needed

In a message dated 12/1/99 12:18:25 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
dbaas@pacinfo.com writes:

<< I have some oxalis like your describing growing out in my yard.  I live in
 Oregon Zone 7.  It's possible they are oxalis regnellii var. triangularis.
 They are a somewhat tender perrennial, but I have mine growing in a very
 protected, part sun/part shade spot; and I mulch them heavily in winter. >>

To Marge and Debbie,

I have found that once searching bulb species one is stunningly inundated by 
what exists.  It seems more than likely we would have that which has been on 
the market in recent years.

Oxalis regnelli (triangularis) is one that I have in a pot.  This species has 
other forms that have partly green leaves.  Triangularis is a spectacular pot 
plant in the summer.  It offers a superb foliage plant to stand amongst other 
containers.   I have it in a a twelve inch pot in full sun.  While growing it 
needs a lot of water. A little water soluble fertilizer keeps it in good 
shape for the months of July and August.

The leaves are triangularly shaped, 1-2 inches long, and a rich deep color of 
shades of burgundy.  Mine flowers all summer with slender pink stalks above 
the foliage.  You would start a summer container with at least twelve (they 
are small) bulbs.  In the Northeast you can withhold the water in fall and 
allow the pot to dry off slowly.  You store the pot completely dry, above 
freezing, until spring when you start growth with watering.  Surprising is 
that the plant continues to hold some leaves for months after watering ceases.

McClure and Zimmerman sell this bulb.  Also, I have seen started pots for 
sale in local nurseries where unusual annuals are offered. M & Z say this 
bulb is hardy in zones 8-10.

Certain species of zephyranthes (looking quite like a small amaryllis) are 
grown in the same way.

Claire Peplowski
East Nassau, NY z4

---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PERENNIALS
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index