Oxalis Versicolor

Oxalis versicolor, also known as "Candy cane sorrel," is a charming plant that adds a pop of colour to garden borders, pots, or rockeries. This small beauty grows to a neat height of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) and has clover-like leaves. However, it’s the flowers that really stand out. The buds, with their red and white stripes, look like peppermint sweets. As they open on sunny days, they reveal white petals inside – a simple yet delightful transformation that adds character to your garden.

This oxalis grows best in well-drained soil and needs little care. Once planted in spring, the bulbs settle quickly and start blooming from late summer to early autumn with just a little sunlight. It’s a great choice for gardeners wanting to keep their outdoor spaces colourful after summer has passed.

A special feature of Oxalis versicolor is that its flowers close up in the evening or on cloudy days, forming candy-striped buds again, almost as if they are "sleeping." This makes it a fun plant to check on each day.

Unlike many other small bulbs, Oxalis versicolor spreads slowly over time, forming little clusters that return every year. It’s perfect for planting with other autumn flowers or in places where its small size can be appreciated, like containers or near stepping stones.

We send Oxalis versicolor bulbs in spring, ready to plant once the frost has passed. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or new to planting bulbs, this cheerful plant is sure to brighten your garden.

• Botanical name: Oxalis versicolor
• Common name: Candy cane sorrel
• Flower colour: White with red-striped buds
  
• Established height: 10-15cm
• Established spread: 10-15cm
• Plant spacing: 75-100 bulbs per m²
• Leaf colour: Bright green
• Habit: Clump-forming · Spreading
• Life cycle: Perennial · Naturalising
• Hardiness: Frost tender – protect in harsh winters
• Years to establish: 1-2 years
• Sunlight: Full sun · Partial shade
• Position: Sheltered
  
• Suitable for: Pots · Window boxes · Rock gardens · Borders
• Soil acidity: Any
• Soil moisture: Free draining
• Soil type: Loam · Sandy · Stony · Multipurpose compost
• Growing skill: Easy to grow
• Scented: No
• Pollinator-friendly: No
• Mouse resistant: No
• Rabbit resistant: No
• Deer resistant: Yes
  
• Time of dispatch: Autumn (From October)
• Plant in: Autumn