Extension Communications |
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3/11/02 Contacts: Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning March 15, 2002 The Lucky Shamrock Plant By: Cindy Haynes St. Patrick's Day brings spot of green in the in local grocery stores and flowers shops in the form of the lucky shamrock plant. How did the shamrock plant become associated with St. Patrick's Day and Ireland? There are many stories and fables, but the most popular is that St. Patrick, the saint who brought Christianity to Ireland, plucked a shamrock from the grass at his feet to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity to his congregation. Each leaf symbolizes the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death. The shamrock is also credited with the arrival of spring and as a symbol for the "season of rebirth." Common Shamrock Plants Oxalis leaves are clover shaped and can be shades of green, red, purple, or a combination of all these colors in one striking plant. The oxalis blossoms are white, yellow, pink or red depending on the species. There are hundreds of species of oxalis, but two that are commonly grown for indoor enjoyment are the Irish shamrock (Oxalis acetosella) and the good-luck plant (Oxalis deppei). Both have green leaves and small white or red blossoms, but the good-luck plant has white streaks running along the leaf vein. Both of these species exhibit nyctinstic movements, meaning the leaflets fold up at night or during overcast days and open during daylight hours. When selecting an oxalis, look for a plant with flowers and lush, healthy foliage. How to Care For Shamrock Plants In the summer months, wood sorrels should be allowed to rest or go dormant. The first sign that a plant is entering dormancy is leaf dieback. If this begins to occur, stop watering and fertilizing the plant. The leaves can be cut back or allowed to die back on their own and the plant should be moved to a cool, dark place for two to three months. At the end of the dormant period, new foliage will begin emerging from the soil. This is a signal to move the plant to a sunny window and to begin watering and fertilization. Problems and Solutions Good luck with this charming plant. If cared for properly, oxalis can be a part of your plant family for years to come. -30- ml: isugarden |
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