bulb corm tuber

Pea-Leaf Shamrock

Oxalis fabifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Oxalis fabifolia is a low-growing, clump-forming bulbous perennial native to the Western Cape of South Africa. The species follows a summer-dormant growth cycle, producing foliage and flowers from fall through spring from tiny underground tubers.

This species is distinguished by its unique foliage, which features pairs of elongated, obovate leaflets resembling rabbit ears or pea leaves attached to winged petioles. Upfacing, funnel-shaped lemon-yellow flowers open just above the leaves in late fall and early winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces distinctive rabbit-ear foliage and bright yellow flowers that open during the cooler months.

Functions as a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant container or rock garden plant that naturally avoids summer watering needs.

Provides a minor nectar source for generalist small native bees during late fall and early winter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low (dormant) to Moderate (active)

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South Africa (Western Cape)

Toxicity

Toxic to cats, dogs, and livestock

Bloom period

Fall – Winter

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant tubers in late summer or early fall in a light, sandy, or sharply draining loamy soil mix.
Position the container or planting site in full sun to partial shade, ensuring bright light to prevent leggy growth.
Water moderately once active growth begins in fall, keeping the soil moist but never waterlogged.
Allow the foliage to die back naturally in spring, and withhold all water throughout the summer dormancy phase.

Pro Tip

Keep the soil completely dry during the summer dormancy period; excess moisture when the plant is leafless triggers immediate tuber rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Allow foliage to die back completely and naturally in spring to nourish the tubers.
Provide exceptional drainage by using a sandy or gritty soil mix.
Protect plants from intense, scorching afternoon sun in hot climates.

Don't

Do not water the plant during its summer dormancy period.
Do not prune or cut into old, leafless structures.
Do not allow stagnant moisture to accumulate around the tubers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Lift Store
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Container PlantingRock GardenAlpine HouseSpecialty Collector Bed

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pea-Leaf Shamrock questions

What zones can Pea-Leaf Shamrock grow in?

Pea-Leaf Shamrock is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Pea-Leaf Shamrock deer resistant?

Yes — Pea-Leaf Shamrock is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Pea-Leaf Shamrock bloom?

Pea-Leaf Shamrock typically blooms in fall through winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pea-Leaf Shamrock need full sun?

Pea-Leaf Shamrock does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Pea-Leaf Shamrock drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pea-Leaf Shamrock handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.