Oxyria digyna
Oxyria digyna · Polygonaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant oxyria digyna: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- July to August
- Adult size
- 10 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -40 °C)
- Origin
- Alpine and arctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, rocky, slightly acidic soil
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Exposure
Mountain sorrel prefers sunny to partially shaded exposure. At high altitude or in cool climates, it will tolerate full sun. In warmer regions, light shade will help it retain moisture and stay vigorous.
Soil and drainage
Plant in well-drained soil, preferably rocky or gravelly, slightly acidic to neutral. This alpine plant dreads stagnant moisture. Amending with coarse sand or gravel will improve drainage in lowland gardens.
Watering
Water moderately and only during prolonged dry spells. Mountain sorrel appreciates light moisture but won't tolerate excess water. Reduce watering in autumn and winter to encourage dormancy.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is generally needed. If the plant seems stunted, apply a very diluted balanced fertilizer in spring, just once. This alpine plant thrives in poor soils.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is required. Simply remove dried leaves or faded flowers to keep a neat appearance. Clean the base of the plant in spring if dead matter accumulates.
Diseases and pests
Mountain sorrel is rarely affected by diseases and pests. Avoid excess moisture which could promote root rot or fungal issues. In healthy, well-drained cultivation, it remains generally very robust.
Did you know?
Oxyria digyna is a remarkable tiny herbaceous plant: its fleshy kidney-shaped leaves contain oxalic acid, which allows it to survive in the harshest alpine and arctic environments. It has fascinated botanists because it literally grows in inaccessible rock crevices, at over 4,000 meters altitude, where it has become a prized indicator for botanical expeditions in the mountains.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.