Purple Woodsorrel: A Charming Ground Cover with a South African Twist
If you’re looking for a delicate, purple-flowered ground cover that thrives in California’s Mediterranean climate, purple woodsorrel (Oxalis purpurea) might catch your eye. This petite perennial brings a splash of color to gardens with its cheerful purple blooms and distinctive heart-shaped leaves that seem to dance in the breeze.
What is Purple Woodsorrel?
Purple woodsorrel is a low-growing herbaceous perennial that belongs to the wood sorrel family. As a forb, it’s a non-woody plant that dies back to ground level but returns each year from its perennial roots. Don’t let its delicate appearance fool you – this little plant is tougher than it looks!
Origins and Distribution
Here’s where things get interesting: purple woodsorrel isn’t actually native to California (or anywhere else in North America, for that matter). This charming little plant originally hails from South Africa’s Cape region, but it has found a comfortable home in California, where it grows and reproduces on its own in the wild.
Should You Plant Purple Woodsorrel?
The question of whether to plant purple woodsorrel is a bit nuanced. On one hand, it’s a beautiful, easy-care plant that adapts well to California’s climate. On the other hand, it’s not native, which means it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as indigenous plants.
Reasons you might want to plant it:
- Gorgeous purple flowers that bloom for extended periods
- Extremely low maintenance once established
- Drought tolerant, perfect for water-wise gardens
- Attracts small pollinators like bees
- Works well in rock gardens and containers
Things to consider:
- It’s not native, so it won’t support local wildlife ecosystems as effectively
- Can self-seed and spread beyond where you originally planted it
- Native alternatives might be better choices for supporting local biodiversity
Appearance and Garden Role
Purple woodsorrel forms low clumps of three-leaflet, heart-shaped leaves that create an attractive carpet effect. The star of the show, however, is its abundance of small, five-petaled purple flowers that seem to glow in the garden. This plant works wonderfully as:
- Ground cover in Mediterranean-style gardens
- Accent plant in rock gardens
- Container plant for patios and balconies
- Border edging along pathways
Growing Conditions and Care
One of purple woodsorrel’s biggest selling points is how easy it is to grow. This plant practically takes care of itself once you get it established.
Ideal growing conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil (it’s not picky about soil type)
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional watering
- Climate: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11
Planting and Care Tips
Getting purple woodsorrel established in your garden is refreshingly straightforward:
- Plant in spring or fall for best establishment
- Space plants about 6-8 inches apart for ground cover
- Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering
- No fertilizer needed – this plant prefers lean conditions
- Deadhead spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding if desired
- In colder areas, plants may go dormant in winter and return in spring
Consider Native Alternatives
While purple woodsorrel is undeniably charming, consider these native California alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local ecosystems:
- California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) for orange blooms
- Wild ginger (Asarum caudatum) for heart-shaped leaves and ground cover
- Baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii) for delicate blue flowers
The Bottom Line
Purple woodsorrel is a lovely, low-maintenance plant that can add charm to California gardens. While it’s not native and won’t provide the same ecological benefits as indigenous plants, it’s also not considered invasive or harmful. If you choose to grow it, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful purple blooms and minimal care requirements. Just remember to consider native alternatives first, and if you do plant purple woodsorrel, keep an eye on its spreading habits to ensure it stays where you want it!
