Overview

Introduce a burst of vibrant color to your garden with our exquisite Oxalis Obtusa Crayon bulbs. This charming species, also commonly known as the crayon oxalis plant, is celebrated for its striking, solitary flowers that showcase an incredible spectrum of hues including pink, peach, apricot, orange, brick red, yellow, white, and various multicolored patterns. Originating from diverse sandy or clay soils in regions like Namaqualand to Knysna, this resilient plant typically grows to about 10 cm in height. Its distinctive leaves, which can be hairy or hairless and vary in shape and size, add to its unique appeal. These bulbs promise a spectacular display, making them a fantastic addition for both seasoned gardeners and enthusiastic beginners looking to cultivate beautiful and unique flora.

Key Benefits

The Oxalis Obtusa Crayon bulbs offer numerous advantages for any garden enthusiast. They are not only beautiful but also relatively easy to care for, providing a rewarding gardening experience.

• Spectacular Blooms: Enjoy a dazzling array of multicolored flowers, ranging from soft pastels to vivid reds and oranges, adding unparalleled visual interest to your garden space. The vibrant blossoms are a true spectacle.

• Extended Flowering Season: Unlike many other plants, these are late flowering oxalis, blooming from December through May. This ensures a prolonged period of color when many other plants are dormant, brightening up the colder months.

• Compact Growth Habit: With a typical height of 10 cm, these plants are perfect for containers, rock gardens, or the front of a border. Their neat size makes them versatile for various garden designs.

• Adaptable to Various Soils: While they thrive in loose, well-draining soil, Oxalis Obtusa Crayon bulbs are known to be adaptable, found naturally in both sandy and clay soils, making them forgiving for different garden conditions.

• Relatively Low Maintenance: Once established, these plants require minimal fuss. Following simple planting and care guidelines will ensure a healthy and prolific bloom, making growing oxalis obtusa a joyful endeavor.

• Dormancy for Easy Storage: After their flowering period, the bulbs enter dormancy, allowing for easy storage and replanting the following season, ensuring years of enjoyment from your initial purchase.

• Unique Foliage: Beyond their flowers, the leaves of the crayon oxalis plant are also attractive, varying in shape and size, providing textural interest even before the blooms appear.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Growing oxalis obtusa is a straightforward and rewarding process, especially when you follow these specific care instructions. The best planting period for these Oxalis Obtusa Crayon bulbs is in the fall, specifically from September to October, when temperatures are around 77°F (25°C). This timing allows them to establish well before their blooming season, which runs from December to May. For optimal growth, use a loose, well-draining, and aerated soil mix. A combination of leaf mold, peat, and perlite is ideal. When potting, consider a 6-inch diameter pot and add a layer of gravel at the bottom to further enhance drainage, preventing waterlogging which can be detrimental to the bulbs.

Light exposure is crucial for these vibrant plants. They require at least 3 hours of direct sunlight daily. Provide full sun during spring, fall, and winter, but offer some shade in the hotter summer months to prevent stress. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 59°F and 77°F (15°C to 25°C). During winter, ensure temperatures do not drop below 41°F (5°C). Watering should follow the “dry out, then water thoroughly” rule; avoid overwatering. Fertilize with a diluted phosphorus and potassium fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during their active growth in spring and fall. Stop fertilizing when the plant enters dormancy, typically after flowering. Reduce watering during hot summer temperatures to encourage dormancy. After the flowers fade, reduce watering and fertilizing, then store the bulbs for the next season’s display of vibrant oxalis flowers.

Size & Details

Our Oxalis Obtusa Crayon bulbs are carefully selected for their plumpness and health, ensuring a high success rate for germination and growth. Upon planting, place the bulbs with the shoots facing up, cover them with approximately 2 cm of soil, and water thoroughly. These plants typically reach a mature height of about 10 cm (4 inches), making them an excellent choice for compact spaces or as a colorful ground cover. They ship as dormant bulbs, ready for planting in the fall. Expect the plant to bloom from December to May, providing enjoyment throughout the cooler seasons. The variety in bloom colors ensures a dynamic and ever-changing display, making each crayon oxalis plant a unique addition to your collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this Oxalis Obtusa Crayon bulbs plant get? A: The crayon oxalis plant typically grows to a compact height of about 10 cm (4 inches). This makes it ideal for various planting locations, including small pots, rock gardens, or as a vibrant border plant.

• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: While Oxalis Obtusa Crayon bulbs can thrive outdoors in suitable climates (USDA Zones 9-11), they can also be grown indoors in pots, especially in regions with colder winters. Ensure they receive adequate sunlight regardless of their location.

• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This plant requires at least 3 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun is best during spring, fall, and winter, but provide some shade during the intense heat of summer to protect the foliage and bulbs.

• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, growing oxalis obtusa is considered relatively easy. With proper planting, well-draining soil, and consistent care, even beginner gardeners can enjoy the beautiful vibrant oxalis flowers these bulbs produce.

• Q: What condition will the bulbs arrive in? A: The Oxalis Obtusa Crayon bulbs will arrive in a dormant state, ready for planting. They are carefully packaged to ensure they are healthy and viable upon arrival, prepared for their fall planting.

• Q: How long until it blooms? A: When planted in the fall (September-October), these late flowering oxalis typically begin to bloom from December and continue through May, offering a long season of beautiful flowers.

• Q: What’s the minimum temperature it can tolerate? A: During winter, it’s best to keep the plant above 41°F (5°C). If temperatures in your area drop below this, it’s advisable to bring potted plants indoors or provide adequate protection for outdoor plantings.

• Q: What is the best soil mix for these bulbs? A: A loose, well-draining, and aerated soil mix is ideal. A blend of leaf mold, peat, and perlite works very well to provide the necessary drainage and nutrients for your Oxalis Obtusa Crayon bulbs.

• Q: How often should I fertilize my crayon oxalis plant? A: During the active growing seasons of spring and fall, apply a diluted phosphorus and potassium fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Stop fertilizing when the plant enters dormancy after flowering.

• Q: Can these bulbs be stored for next season? A: Absolutely. After the plant finishes flowering and enters dormancy, reduce watering and fertilizing. Once the foliage dies back, you can carefully dig up and store the bulbs in a cool, dry place until the next fall planting season.