How to Grow Parochetus Plants

Guide to Growing Shamrock Pea, Blue oxalis.

Parochetus are low growing hardy or half hardy perennials that reach about 3 to 5 cm in height.

They flower from summer and through autumn with pea-like flowers of blue and have a foliage similar to that of clovers.

The size and trailing nature of Parochetus makes them ideal for use in rock gardens, or for use as an addition to other plants in a container.

One of the common names for Parochetus is the Shamrock pea.

Parochetus communis
Parochetus communis by peganum.

Parochetus Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Shamrock Pea, Blue oxalis.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Half-hardy perennial.
Height: 4 to 8 inches (10—20 cm).
Native: Asia, Africa (Mountainous regions).
Growing Region: Zones 6 to 9.
Flowers: Summer and through autumn.
Flower Details: Intense Blue; some sub-species have white or purple flowers. Pea-like. Single or up to three flowers atop 3 to 6 inch (8—15 cm) long stalks.
Foliage: Trifoliate clover shaped leaves up to 0.8 inches (20 mm) long by 1.6 inches (40 mm) across. Herbaceous.
Sow Outside: No.
Sow Inside: Cover seed. Seeds should be soaked for a day in warm water. Germination time: One to three months. Temperature: 50°F (10°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors in spring or autumn. Space at 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm).
Requirements and care: Full sunlight or light shade. Good drainage. Moist soil. Grit. Poor soil for best flowers. Regular watering during dry periods. Propagate: by dividing in early spring or autumn. Or take cuttings.
Family: Fabaceae.
Closely Related Species: Beans, Peas, and other Legumes.
Miscellaneous: Genus contains just one species: Parochetus communis.

How to grow Parochetus

When growing from seed it is best to start to grow Shamrock pea indoors. The process should be started about eight weeks before they are due to be planted outdoors.

The seeds should first be soaked for a day in warm water then germinated at 10 degrees centigrade. It should take about one to three months for Parochetus seeds to germinate.

Once ready transplant the seedlings into the garden about 30 to 40 cm apart either in spring or autumn.

They are able to grow in either a sunny or lightly shaded area that has good drainage.

Ideally the soil that plants grow in should be poor, gritty and moist as this will produce more flowers.

Caring for Shamrock pea - Parochetus

Shamrock pea and other Parochetus are very easy to look after but should be watered regularly to keep the soil that it grows in moist.

If you require more Parochetus plants, then they can be propagated by division or taking cuttings in the autumn or at the start of spring.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Parochetus plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Fenugreek and Thermopsis plants.