With its cheerful clusters of vivid magenta-pink blooms and clover-shaped leaves, Oxalis bowiei ‘Amarantha’ adds a burst of colour and charm to any indoor space. Compact and easy to grow, this bulbous perennial produces delicate flowers through spring and summer, then rests quietly over winter. Though it’s native to South Africa, it adapts beautifully to life indoors – or can be enjoyed outside in pots during the warmer months.
Scientific Name
Oxalis bowiei W.T.Aiton ex G.Don ‘Amarantha’ (named in honour of the Scottish plant collector James Bowie, who first discovered the species in South Africa in the early 19th century)
Common Name
Bowie’s Wood Sorrel, Large Pink Oxalis
Origin
Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light indoors, but can tolerate some direct morning or late afternoon sun. In summer, it can be placed outdoors in a sheltered, frost-free spot where it will thrive in dappled sun.
Water
Keep the soil lightly moist through the growing season (spring to early autumn), allowing the top few centimetres to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly when the foliage dies back in winter – the bulbs prefer a dry rest period before reshooting in spring.
Humidity
Average room humidity is fine. If placed outdoors during summer, ensure it’s in a sheltered spot protected from heavy rain.
Soil
Use a well-draining mix with added grit or perlite. A blend for bulbs or cacti and succulents works well to prevent the roots sitting in water. Repot in spring every few years to refresh the bulbs and compost.
Food
Feed once a month during active growth with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Pause feeding in winter when dormant.
Temperature
Ideal temperature is 15–24°C. Protect from frost – if kept outdoors, bring it back inside before temperatures drop below 8°C.
Pet-safe
Mildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children.
Sprouts Top Tips
After flowering, allow the leaves to yellow and die back naturally – this rest period helps the bulbs store energy for the next season’s blooms. If you want to enjoy it outdoors in summer, keep it in a pot so you can easily move it back inside when the weather cools.
