Oxalis engleriana is a delightful miniature species native to the arid regions of Namaqualand and the Western Cape of South Africa. It inhabits gravelly flats and rocky slopes, often in areas that experience a dry summer and moist winter — classic winter-rainfall climate zones. This adaptation makes it well-suited to cultivation in Mediterranean-style bulb collections and alpine houses.
The plant produces low-growing, finely divided, clover-like foliage and blooms in the autumn to winter months with bright, funnel-shaped pink to magenta flowers, each delicately veined and held just above the foliage on slender stems. Its compact form and vibrant floral display make it especially valuable in containers, troughs, or bulb pans, where its fine detail can be appreciated up close.
Cultivation requires a gritty, sharply drained soil mix, mimicking the lean, mineral-rich soils of its native habitat. Watering should begin in autumn with the onset of growth and cease once the foliage begins to yellow in late spring, ushering in a dry summer dormancy. Full sun or bright filtered light is ideal during its growing season. Though a lot of resources call it tender, it has proven hardy to 12°F (-11°C) in Salem, Oregon, when given protection from excessive winter wet.
Oxalis engleriana is a charming and lesser-seen species, ideal for collectors of South African bulbs or those seeking subtle seasonal color in the alpine house.
Oxalis engleriana is a delightful miniature species native to the arid regions of Namaqualand and the Western Cape of South Africa. It inhabits gravelly flats and rocky slopes, often in areas that experience a dry summer and moist winter — classic winter-rainfall climate zones. This adaptation makes it well-suited to cultivation in Mediterranean-style bulb collections and alpine houses.
The plant produces low-growing, finely divided, clover-like foliage and blooms in the autumn to winter months with bright, funnel-shaped pink to magenta flowers, each delicately veined and held just above the foliage on slender stems. Its compact form and vibrant floral display make it especially valuable in containers, troughs, or bulb pans, where its fine detail can be appreciated up close.
Cultivation requires a gritty, sharply drained soil mix, mimicking the lean, mineral-rich soils of its native habitat. Watering should begin in autumn with the onset of growth and cease once the foliage begins to yellow in late spring, ushering in a dry summer dormancy. Full sun or bright filtered light is ideal during its growing season. Though a lot of resources call it tender, it has proven hardy to 12°F (-11°C) in Salem, Oregon, when given protection from excessive winter wet.
Oxalis engleriana is a charming and lesser-seen species, ideal for collectors of South African bulbs or those seeking subtle seasonal color in the alpine house.
