Growing Green

By Robin Trott, Extension Educator

Every March, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, stores fill with little pots of “shamrock” plants—but did you know these festive greens aren’t actually shamrocks? The plants commonly sold as shamrocks are Oxalis species, also known as wood sorrels, and they have a fascinating history tied to both legend and gardening.

The shamrock is deeply rooted in Irish folklore. According to legend, Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, used the three-leaved clover as a teaching symbol during his time in Ireland in the 5th century. Over time, the shamrock became a national symbol of Ireland, representing heritage, tradition, and good luck.

Meet Oxalis: The shamrock look-alike

Oxalis is a hardy, easy-to-grow plant with clover-shaped leaves that fold up at night or on cloudy days. They come in shades of green, red, or purple and bloom with tiny five-petaled flowers in white, yellow, pink, or red. Unlike true clover, Oxalis is native to South America and parts of North America and grows from small bulbs rather than spreading by runners.

Caring for your shamrock plant

Want to keep your St. Patrick’s Day plant thriving long after the holiday? Oxalis is surprisingly low maintenance if given the right conditions.

• Light & Temperature: Prefers bright, indirect light and cool temperatures (below 75°F during the day, 15–25°F cooler at night).

• Watering: Keep soil lightly moist but avoid overwatering. The plant can tolerate slight drying between waterings.

• Feeding: Fertilize once a month when actively growing.

• Pests: Rare but watch for aphids or whiteflies.

Dormancy and revival

Like many bulbs, Oxalis goes through a natural dormancy cycle, often in summer. Instead of tossing it, follow these steps to bring it back:

1. Let it rest: When leaves start dying back, stop watering and let them dry out completely.

2. Store properly: Place the container in a cool, dark spot for 1–3 months (purple-leaf varieties need just 1 month).

3. Wake it up: Move it back to bright light, begin watering again, and fertilize or repot with fresh soil.

4. Propagation: While dormant, divide the bulbs and plant them in small clusters for new growth.

A shamrock for every season

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just love the look of Oxalis, these charming plants bring a touch of history, culture, and greenery into your home. With a little care, your “shamrock” plant can live and bloom year after year—keeping the luck of the Irish alive in your home!

For more houseplant care tips, visit UMN Extension, https://extension.umn.edu/find-plants/houseplants.

Until next time, happy gardening!

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“May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door!”