Weed or Not?

Most people know the weedy Oxalis. In SoCal there are many unwanted Oxalis, mostly with yellow flowers. 

This one is called Oxalis purpurea Garnet. I got it from a friend many years ago. I love the compliment of burgundy foliage and pink flowers. 

It's a bulb that comes up in the cool weather and blooms. Then it dies back when it gets hot. It originates from South Africa(as many of my favorite plants do). 

I planted it in one side of our brick pathway. It has spread to the other side and along my wine bottle border. It is actually spilling outside the border. Is it a weed or not? When it comes up right in the middle of a rose bush or another plant, it IS a weed. And I yank it. But it IS looking so pretty today.

This is what it looked like this morning at 7:30AM when it was 37º.  Brr.  But Oxalis just shakes it off. 


Do you grow the desirable Oxalis or the weedy Oxalis?  I grow both unfortunately. 

Happy Gardening!