Oxalis Adenophylla

A Well-Behaved, Silver-Leafed Oxalis that’s Hardy to Zone 4

A slow-spreading groundcover bulb with a profusion of late-spring blooms If you’re familiar with the charms (and sometimes overly enthusiastic habit!) of Wood Sorrel, then let us introduce you to this hardy, elegant, and well-behaved member of the family. Sometimes called Chilean Oxalis or Silver Shamrock, this gorgeous mounding groundcover boasts a profusion of lovely pale violet and white, open-faced blooms with dark fuchsia centers, filling the mid- to late-spring garden with sprightly color. Another beautiful feature of this alpine native is its broad, clover-like fans of silvery-gray foliage that provide the perfect foil to the bright lilac blooms. Not nearly as aggressive as many Oxalis, this adaptable plant grows 6 to 10 inches tall and spreads slowly. Its manageable habit makes it a great container specimen and a perfect choice for covering the bare ankles of shrubs and other perennials in the mixed border. Native to the cool mountains of Argentina and Chile, this Oxalis comes by its winter hardiness naturally, although it will also perform beautifully in temperate climates as long as it isn’t subject to poorly drained soil during winter. It flowers best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade conditions. Zones 4-10.