Oxalis deppei – the lucky clover with bicolor foliage
Oxalis deppei, also known as the lucky clover or Iron Cross, is a highly beloved ornamental perennial plant prized for its unique leaves: light green with a burgundy cross-shaped center. In addition to its striking foliage, it produces delicate pinkish-red flowers throughout the warm season.
🌿 Botanical Characteristics
• Full name: Oxalis deppei (syn. Oxalis tetraphylla)
• Type: bulbous perennial plant
• Foliage: composed of four leaflets with a burgundy central pattern
• Flowers: pink, red, or cyclamen, appearing from summer to early autumn
• Grows compactly, forming dense, easy-to-maintain clumps
🌞 Light
Tolerates filtered sun or partial shade; in strong sunlight, more frequent watering may be needed.
💧 Watering
Keep soil lightly moist but well-drained. Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot.
🌱 Soil
Well-drained universal substrate or mix for ornamental foliage plants.
🌡️ Temperature
Can withstand down to about -5°C in well-drained soil, but it is recommended to protect the bulbs over winter or dig them up and store in a cool, dry place.
🌸 Plant Cycle
This plant has a winter dormancy period; leaves may decline or disappear completely. In spring, the bulbs resume growth.
Note: Leaves may show minor imperfections or handling marks during the warm season. In the cold period, the plant may go dormant and lose all foliage – a normal behavior for this species.
Height including pot: 15 cm
Pot diameter: 12 cm