Care of the plant Oxalis pes-caprae or Bermuda buttercup |
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The genus Oxalis, family Oxalidaceae, comprises 600 species of herbaceous plants native to temperate and warm regions of almost all continents. Some species are: Oxalis pes-caprae, Oxalis gigantea, Oxalis flava, Oxalis corniculata, Oxalis bowiei, Oxalis articulata, Oxalis triangularis, Oxalis purpurea, Oxalis acetosella, Oxalis rosea. Common names: Bermuda buttercup, African wood-sorrel, Cape sorrel, English weed, Soursop. This species is native to South Africa. They are small herbaceous plants with a covering habit that reach 10 cm (3.93") in height (30 cm/11.8" when they bloom). The leaves, trifoliate and bright green, have a long petiole. The showy yellow flowers, single or double, appear in groups of 3-8 specimens above the leaves. They can bloom from spring to mid-fall. They are used in light undergrowth, in flower beds, in rockeries and in pots and planters. Oxalis pes-caprae can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposure. The winter temperature should not be lower than 6 ºC (42.8 ºF). The soil must be well drained and contain plenty of organic matter. The planting is done in winter. Water frequently, without flooding, so that the substrate is always wet. After flowering, irrigation is reduced and in winter there is no need to water. Fertilize the substrate with organic matter before planting. They do not need pruning but their expansion must be controlled because they tend to be invasive. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seed sown in spring or by division in late winter. |
Images of the plant Oxalis pes-caprae or Bermuda buttercup |
 Oxalis pes-caprae  Oxalis pes-caprae  Oxalis pes-caprae |