Oxalis Iron Cross

Most ornamental Oxalis bulbs are planted in spring, after the risk of hard frost has passed. Grow them in a sunny or lightly shaded position with free-draining soil or compost, as bulbs can rot if left in wet ground.

Yes. Oxalis is well suited to pots, window boxes and hanging baskets. Use a container with drainage holes, keep the compost lightly moist while plants are growing, and move tender types to a cool, frost-free place before winter.

This is completely normal. Oxalis leaves fold down in low light, at night and sometimes during very hot weather, then open again when conditions improve.

Oxalis often has a natural dormant period, when the leaves fade and disappear. Stop regular watering while it is dormant, keep the compost only just dry, and resume watering when new growth appears.

It depends on the type. Some Oxalis form tidy clumps, while others can spread through small bulbs and self-seeding. If you want to keep it contained, grow it in a pot and remove spent flowers before seed develops.