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Molten Lava Shamrock

Oxalis vulcanicola 'Molten Lava'

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Molten Lava Shamrock (Oxalis vulcanicola 'Molten Lava') at Sargent's Gardens

Molten Lava Shamrock

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  8 inches

Spacing:  10 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  (annual)

Brand:  Proven Winners

Ornamental Features

Molten Lava Shamrock's attractive small fan-shaped compound leaves remain chartreuse in color with hints of orange throughout the season on a plant with a mounded habit of growth. It features subtle yellow tubular flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to early summer.

Landscape Attributes

Molten Lava Shamrock is a dense herbaceous annual with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Molten Lava Shamrock is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Container Planting
  • Hanging Baskets

Planting & Growing

Molten Lava Shamrock will grow to be about 8 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Molten Lava Shamrock is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers and foliage against which the thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Rock  Garden  Groundcover  Container  Basket 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Texture 
Ornamental Features