Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Oxalis gigantea or Giant Oxalis

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 gigantea, Oxalis flava, Oxalis corniculata, Oxalis bowiei, Oxalis articulata, Oxalis pes-caprae, Oxalis triangularis, Oxalis purpurea, Oxalis acetosella, Oxalis rosea.

Common name: Giant Oxalis. This species is native to southern South America.

They are slow-growing deciduous shrubs, succulent stems and erect bearing that reach 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in height. The small, fleshy trilobed leaves are bright green and turn yellow and brown before dropping in summer and winter. In these two seasons, the plant goes to rest. The abundant flowers are bright yellow. They bloom in spring.

Giant Oxalis is used to form small groups, in rockeries, as isolated specimens or in pots.

Oxalis gigantea grows in full sun exposure when they are adults or in semi-shade in the case of young specimens. It does not resist temperatures below 4 ºC (39.2 ºF).

Giant Oxalis can grow in any type of well-drained soil; it prefers a sandy substrate with little organic matter.

Water moderately in spring and fall, waiting for the substrate to dry. In summer and winter water sparingly because they come to rest.

Fertilize with mineral fertilizer in spring every 30 days at half the dose indicated by the manufacturer.

Oxalis gigantea does not need pruning.

Giant Oxalis is a plant resistant to the usual pests but sensitive to fungal attack if the humidity is excessive.

Oxalis gigantea is propagated by cuttings but it's not a simple process; use seeds sown in spring.

Images of the shrub Oxalis gigantea or Giant Oxalis