What: If you are looking for a terrific evergreen groundcover for shade, Oxalis oregana — the evergreen form, not the deciduous form — may fit the bill. Oxalis oregana, or evergreen redwood sorrel, is a slow growing, rhizomatous perennial with foliage that is dark-green on its upper-side and has a purple-blush on the underside. Each leaf is divided into three heart-shaped leaflets 1/2 to 11/4 inches long. It also produces tiny, sweet star-shaped flowers, in shades of pink to white, from spring until fall. Try combining this oxalis with the ghost fern Athyrium “Ghost” or as an underplanting for shady-area shrubs like rhododendrons, hamamelis and corylopsis.
Where: Oxalis oregana is best grown in moist to well drained soil with light to deep shade. It will tolerate sandy sites and clay.
Size: Reaches a height of 6 inches with a spread of 2 feet.
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