Wood sorrel (cuckoo meat)
Quantity:
2 in stock
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❤️ Why you'll love it
A delicate woodland plant with clover-like leaves and a sharp, lemony flavour that's given it the old country name of 'cuckoo meat'. A gentle forager's favourite, happiest in cool, shady corners.
🌿 Details
How to look after Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) in the UK
Position & Light:
Grow in partial to full shade. Wood sorrel, also known as cuckoo meat, is a delicate, hardy woodland plant with clover-like leaves that fold at night and in dull weather, and dainty, white, purple-veined flowers in spring. It suits woodland gardens, shady borders, under trees and shrubs, mossy banks and shady rockeries, and provides early nectar for insects.
Soil & Watering:
Plant in moist, humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Wood sorrel dislikes drying out, so water regularly in dry spells, especially in summer. Mulch with leaf mould or compost to retain moisture and mimic woodland conditions.
Feeding:
No feeding is needed. A mulch of leaf mould in autumn is plenty.
Pruning & Maintenance:
Little maintenance is needed. Remove dead leaves in late winter. It spreads slowly by creeping underground stems and self-seeds gently, forming a carpet. Divide clumps after flowering or in autumn to make new plants. The leaves have a sharp, lemony flavour and can be added to salads, but contain oxalic acid, so eat only in small amounts, and avoid if you are prone to kidney stones.
Common Problems:
- Leaf scorch and wilting: Caused by hot sun or dry soil. Provide shade and keep moist.
- Few flowers: Too much deep shade or dry soil. Provide dappled light.
- Spreading: Can spread in moist, shady conditions. Remove unwanted growth.
- Slugs and snails: May nibble leaves.
- Leaf folding: Natural. Leaves fold at night and in dull weather.
Supplied bare root, carefully packed with a moisture source to ensure freshness.
Plant height: approximately 10cm.
Please remember that most plants (except Evergreens) are dormant in Autumn/Winter so your order may have no leaves until Spring.
🪴 What Does Bare Root Mean?
Our plants have their full root systems but are carefully removed from the pot and soil before delivery.
The roots are wrapped in moist material and eco-friendly packaging to keep them fresh during transit.
It's less messy, reduces waste, and allows the plant to settle into your garden more easily once planted.
🌱 Sustainably Grown in Britain
Plants are sustainably grown and harvested at our nursery in the South West UK, without the use of pesticides or herbicides.
Packaged using biodegradable materials for an eco-conscious delivery.
📜 Certified & Compliant
We are APHA-authorized for Plant Passports: your assurance that our plants are healthy, pest-free, and meet UK plant health regulations.
🚚 Combined Postage & Fast Dispatch
No extra delivery charge when you buy multiple plants from us! Simply add all the plants you love to your basket and pay one flat delivery fee at checkout.
Shipped via UPS Express, so they are in transit for less than 24 hours: includes care cards tailored to each plant you order.
Orders are sent out at the beginning of each week to reduce time in transit,
see Delivery information.
📌 Planting Advice
Upon arrival, plant immediately in a cool, shaded spot (indoors or outdoors) and water thoroughly.
Once new growth appears, move to the final growing location.
💚 Our Guarantee
If your plant doesn't survive delivery*, just send us a photo and we'll send a replacement (or issue a refund).
No hassle, no worries.
* provided you accept the first delivery attempt