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Oxalis violacea 'Purple Butterfly'

Purple Butterfly Violet Wood Sorrel

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

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Item #: 3470

Zones: 5a to 9b, possibly colder

Dormancy: Winter, Summer

Height: 6" tall

Culture: Sun to Light Shade

Origin: United States

Pot Size: 2.5" pot (7.9 fl. oz/233 ml)


Oxalis violacea 'Purple Butterfly' is a 2018 Plant Delights/JLBG introduction of our collection of the horticulturally little-known, but well-behaved wood sorrel. Native from Canada to Mexico, the highly adaptable Oxalis violacea is usually found in moist woodlands, but in our trials, it has thrived in both our hot, dry rock garden as well as in light shade. Oxalis violacea 'Purple Butterfly' is our 2005 selection from Aiken County, SC, with colorful shamrock-like foliage, with a rarely seen almost solid purple center. The 3" tall clumps are topped with 6" stalks of mauvy lavender flowers in spring, then following a summer dormancy, flower again in early fall. Our 15-year-old plant has formed a stunning 2' wide patch. Oxalis violacea grows from tiny, true bulbs, which when flowering size are no larger than a pencil point, so please don't expect something the size of a King Alfred Daffodil!