Tuesday, March 17th, is St. Patrick’s Day. It is said that St. Patrick used the three leaves of shamrocks to teach about the Trinity. Did you get a shamrock in honor of the occasion? Here’s a little bit about them.
There’s No What?
Believe it or not, technically, there is no such thing as a shamrock! Mind Blown! The word “shamrock” comes from the Irish word seamróg, meaning young clover. While there’s no definitive botanical classification for the shamrock, it’s widely believed to be a species of clover, most often Trifolium dubium or Trifolium repens. It is native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa.
When you buy a shamrock in a pot, you are most likely buying an Oxalis variety. It is native to every continent. Since the one sold in pots is Oxalis, here’s how to care for it.
How to Care for Your “Shamrock”
Oxalis need very bright light, but no direct sun between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. It could scorch the foliage. Allow the soil to dry out about a third of the way down between waterings. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20).
In fall the foliage will begin to wilt and die back. STOP fertilizing and stop watering. After the leaves and stems have died back, they can be trimmed back. Move the pot to a spot that is dark and dry for a couple of months. It can take it cooler, but do keep well above freezing.
After it’s rest period, move the pot back to it’s much brighter spot and begin watering. This signals the underground roots that it’s time to begin growing again.
Let’s All Celebrate!
Whether you call them Shamrocks, Oxalis, or clover, let’s capture their spirit and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a day everyone gets to be Irish.
Enjoy!
So is the green shamrock plant winter hardy? I’d love to plant it outside! Thanks
Plant it outside after May 1. Before that it might be too much of a shock. But most oxalis are winter hardy here.
Hope you enjoy it!