Oxalis versicolor – Barber’s Pole Oxalis

Oxalis versicolor, commonly known as Barber’s Pole Oxalis, is a small bulbous perennial native to the winter-rainfall regions of South Africa, particularly the Western Cape. It naturally grows in open, sunny positions with sandy, well-drained soil and becomes dormant during the hot, dry summer months.

During its active growing season, the plant produces slender stems with narrow, three-part green leaves. Its distinctive funnel-shaped flowers have white petals edged in bright red. When the petals are twisted together in bud, they create the striped spiral pattern that gives Barber’s Pole Oxalis its common name. This pattern remains especially noticeable when the flowers are closed.

Flowering generally occurs from late autumn through spring. The flowers open fully in bright sunlight and close during cloudy weather, low light or at night. Its compact growth habit makes it particularly well suited to pots, where watering can be adjusted easily between the active growing season and summer dormancy.

Care Tips:

• Light – Grow in full sun for compact growth and the best flowering.
• Water – Water regularly while actively growing, allowing excess water to drain freely. Reduce watering as the foliage dies back and keep mostly dry during summer dormancy.
• Humidity – Prefers low to moderate humidity with good air circulation.
• Media – Use a free-draining sandy or gritty potting mix.
• Fertiliser – Apply a diluted balanced fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during active growth.
• Temperature – Best suited to mild conditions. Protect the plant and bulbs from heavy frost.
• Repotting – Repot or divide the bulbs while dormant, refreshing the potting mix before growth resumes.