Shamrocks
by CMG Kathleen S.
“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and trouble avoid you wherever you go”
March is the month celebrating the “luck of the Irish” and the 17th is dedicated to the life of Saint Patrick.
Photo by CMG Kathleen S.
Photo by CMG Kathleen S.
Shamrocks may only be 6 inches in height, but they have had a huge influence. The shamrock is a type of clover that has three leaves connected by a single stem called a trifoliolate. Saint Patrick used the design of these leaves to explain the Holy Trinity, a fundamental concept of Christianity, to the Celtic people of Ireland.
Shamrocks are versatile, flamboyant and almost carefree. Some shamrocks are considered a house plant but some species grow outdoors. There are many plants that resemble the Irish shamrocks because of their trifoliolate leaves. Two plant families can be called shamrocks.
Photo from finegardening.com
The Trifolium in the Fabaccae family is a clover which is native to Europe and believed to be associated with Ireland. These are not the best for growing indoors. The yellow clover (Trifolium dubium) is an annual that has a three lobed reddish brown leaf. Its cousin white clover (Trifolium repens) is often seen mixed in turf grass lawns and is winter hardy. People who desire a green lawn consider it a weed. Kids often search for the “lucky” 4-leaf clover variations among the mostly 3-leaf clovers. It can make a beautiful showing of white flowers in the spring and bees love it.
Oxalis in the Oxalidaceae family is a wood sorrel and is common in the Texas Hill Country. It is native to Central and South America. Oxalises are more suited than the Tifoliums as house plants. There are 550 species. Oxalis grows from bulbs or corms while Trifolium has a root system.
For both Trifolium and Oxalis, hardiness depends on the species. Some can be grown as outdoor plants in Comal County.
Photo from nola.com
In winter weather, the outdoor oxalis plants may need to be covered. The oxalis bulbs can also be dug up, placed in dry containers – in a cool, dark area and replanted in early Spring. Shamrock leaves are usually green or purple. Some will have interesting markings. Blooms are white, yellow, purple or pink. An interesting trait is the ability of some shamrock to fold down their leaves at night or on cloudy days. Consider moving the plant to another location if you see this happening. It is believed this is their protection against too much light.
Photo from finegardening.com
Bright indirect light is preferred for a few hours each day. Soil should be slightly acidic and well drained. Shamrock houseplants like to be root bound. Use a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly on houseplants.
Trifolium repens, white clover, can be started from seed outdoors. Loosen the soil with a rake and scatter the seeds. Sprouts may appear within a few days. This species enjoys sun or shade. Keep the soil moist. Remember that this can spread quickly and grow where you may not want it. Pests are few and it is cold hardy. Honeybees greatly appreciate the white clover blossoms.
Oxalises are prone to spider mites and leaf miners. Use neem oil to treat minor infestations or a pesticide for a more severe one. Powdery mildew and rust may be the result of an environment that is too moist. Treat with a fungicide.
Shamrocks have a period of dormancy. The leaves will turn brown, and the plant will look dead. This will often happen around late summer or fall and can last for a few weeks to several months depending on the species. Do not water or fertilize until new growth appears. Blooms tend to follow these periods of dormancy. Some shamrocks are poisonous to cats, dogs and horses.
References: finegardening.com, thespruce.com, kaveesh.com, gardeningknowhow.com, ipm.missouri.edu