Oxalis spiralis ssp. vulcanicola Zinfandel (Zinfandel Volcanic Sorrel)

Bring dramatic color and yearround interest to containers, hanging baskets, or as a lowgrowing groundcover with Zinfandela stunning oxalis cultivar prized for its rich plumpurple foliage and bright yellow blooms.Zinfandel features deep winered to nearly black shamrockshaped leaves that hold their intense color in partsun to fullsun exposure, forming a dense, cascading mound 610 tall by 1012 wide. Delicate fivepetaled yellow flowers appear intermittently from spring through summer, rising just above the foliage on slender stalksno deadheading required.

Plant Profile

• Botanical Name:Oxalis spiralisssp.vulcanicola Zinfandel
• Common Name:Zinfandel Volcanic Sorrel, Burgundy Shamrock
• Synonyms:Xanthoxalis vulcanicola; nonvariegated form of Plum Crazy
• Family:Oxalidaceae (Woodsorrel family)
• Origin & Habitat:Montane forests of ElSalvador through Panama (4,60011,000ft elev.); thrives in organicrich, welldrained forest soils
• USDA Hardiness Zones:911 (perennial in frostfree climates; tuberous, semidormant to 28F if kept dry)
• Growth Habit:Tender, tuberous perennial; forms a low, mounding mat of semisucculent stems that trail or cascade 610tall and 1012wide
• Foliage:Shamrockshaped leaflets, deep winered to plumpurple, held above the soil on slender red petioles; color intensifies in bright light
• Flowers:Fivepetaled, buttery yellow blooms with fine red throat markings; borne singly on 12pinkish stalks, intermittently from spring through summer (and often yearround in mild climates)

Care Guide

• Light: Bright, indirect light to morning sun. In hotter climates, shield from harsh afternoon rays to prevent leaf scorch.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top of soil to dry before watering again.
• Soil: A welldraining, organicrich mix (peatbased or cococoir blend) ensures tubers dont sit in water.
• Temperature: Thrives between 6075F (1624C); tolerant down to 28F when kept dry.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity (4060%); tolerates average home levels.
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during active growth (springsummer) with a balanced, watersoluble fertilizer at half strength.
• Propagation: Divide tuber clusters in spring or early falleach segment with at least one growth eye will form a new clump.
• Maintenance: Remove spent flower stalks to tidy appearance; divide clumps every 23 years to rejuvenate foliage color and vigor.

Uses & Styling

Ideal as a vibrant filler in mixed containers, a trailing element in hanging baskets, or a striking border plant under warmseason shrubs. Its sterile, noninvasive habit makes it gardenfriendly and maintenancefree.