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Oxalis articulata var. rubra
Ideally place in a sunny location, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. Do not water when the plant has no leaves.
It can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °C for short periods. The plant is not frost-resistant.
This bulbous plant is cultivated in varieties with flowers ranging in color from white to dark pink, making each specimen unique.
Oxalis articulata var. rubra, also listed under the synonyms Oxalis platensis and Acetosella platensis, is a perennial wood sorrel native to southern Brazil, northern Argentina, and Uruguay. In nature, it grows on sandy sites and dry grasslands, often in coastal areas, but it can also occur at elevations of up to around 500 metres. This cultivar is valued mainly for its striking flower colour.
The plant produces trifoliate leaves composed of heart-shaped leaflets, which may be slightly hairy. It is a perennial herb with tuberous storage organs, and during winter the foliage may dry back or the plant may naturally go dormant. It usually reaches a height of about 15 to 25 cm and forms compact clumps.
The flowers are deep pink and appear from May through September. It is a long-flowering species that provides a strong seasonal colour accent over many months.
Oxalis articulata var. rubra is best suited for portable containers, where suitable winter conditions can be ensured more easily. In Central European climates it overwinters outdoors with difficulty and requires protection if grown in a rock garden. Thanks to its long flowering period and rich flower colour, it is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to grow a vividly blooming Oxalis in a container, either as a seasonal or indoor plant.