Autumn Pink Sorrel (Oxalis articulata ‘Autumn Pink’) is an ornamental plant known for its vibrant color and delicate blooms. It features attractive foliage and charming pink flowers, forming appealing mounds. This plant is a desirable addition for gardeners seeking both beauty and ease of care.
Identifying Autumn Pink Sorrel
Autumn Pink Sorrel is a low-growing, mounded perennial, typically reaching 6 to 8 inches in height. Its distinctive foliage consists of clover-like, trifoliate leaves, which are usually green but can display a purplish or bronze tinge. These leaves uniquely fold down at night or in harsh conditions.
The plant produces small, trumpet-shaped, two-toned pink flowers, approximately 1 inch in diameter. These five-petaled blooms often show reddish-pink swirls on the outside when in bud. Flowers typically appear in clusters on long, slender stems. While it can bloom from spring through fall, the heaviest flowering often occurs in late summer to mid-fall, lending to its “Autumn Pink” name.
Growing and Caring for Autumn Pink Sorrel
Autumn Pink Sorrel thrives in full sun to partial shade, with partial shade recommended in hot climates to prevent overheating. It adapts to a range of well-draining soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay.
This plant has average water needs and prefers consistently moist, but not soggy, soil. While it exhibits some drought tolerance once established, regular watering, about once a week, is recommended for health and blooming. Autumn Pink Sorrel is generally hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 10. In colder zones (below Zone 7), bulbs can be dug up and stored indoors for winter.
Propagation is primarily through division of its bulb-like rhizomes, done in spring or fall. Bulbils, small buds that form on the stems, also contribute to its spread and can be used for propagation. When planting bulbs, place them about 1.5 to 2 inches deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in garden beds.
Edibility and Culinary Uses
Autumn Pink Sorrel, like other Oxalis species, contains oxalic acid, which imparts a distinct tart, lemony flavor to its leaves and flowers. Both are edible raw or cooked, often used to add a tangy zest to salads, as a garnish, or in beverages.
While edible in moderation, caution is advised due to the oxalic acid content. Large quantities can interfere with calcium absorption. Individuals with kidney stones, gout, or rheumatism should limit or avoid consuming plants high in oxalic acid. Cooking can help reduce the oxalic acid content.
Managing Autumn Pink Sorrel in the Garden
Autumn Pink Sorrel is known for its ability to spread, making it an effective groundcover when managed appropriately. It reproduces through both seeds and underground bulbils, which can lead to rapid colonization of an area. Some varieties are considered gentle spreaders, while others can be more assertive.
To control its spread, gardeners can deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed formation. Weeding and containing the plant in planters or defined garden beds also help manage its growth. Despite its spreading tendency, its attractive foliage and flowers, along with its low-maintenance nature, make it a desirable ornamental accent in rock gardens, borders, or containers.