Lilac Oxalis (Oxalis corymbosa)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −12.2 °C
Cultivation
Easily grown in a sandy soil in a warm dry position. Plants are not very hardy in Britain according to one report which lists this plant as succeeding in climatic zone 9 and thus only tolerating occasional light frosts. It is growing well in our Cornwall site, where it has proved to be hardy since 1994[K].
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Edible uses
Leaves and leafstalks - raw or cooked. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet. Flowers - raw. A pleasant acid flavour, they make an ornamental addition to a mixed salad[K]. Root - raw. Sweet, crisp and succulent.
Habitat
A weed of disturbed ground and gardens in Britain, especially near London.
Native range
S. America. Naturalized in Britain.
Scientific synonyms Oxalis debilis