Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Nothing says "the luck of the Irish" more than the shamrock. If you are wondering how the shamrock became a part of Irish history, there are many explanations. The most popular is that St. Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, once plucked a shamrock from the grass at his feet to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity to his congregation. St. Patrick's Day, which is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, also heralds the arrival of spring. The shamrock was adopted as a symbol of both this patron saint and the "season of rebirth." Shamrocks are a perfect addition to your garden at this time of year!

Shamrocks are a member of the Oxalis (wood sorrel) family, which contains more than 300 species. Most of there grow from small bulbs although some have tuberous roots. Their distinguishing characteristic is the three rounded or triangular-shaped leaves at the end of the delicate stems. Most oxalis plants fold up theirs leaves at night, hugging them tight to the stems until daylight "wakes them up" again.

So how do you grow shamrocks?
Shamrocks like cool air, moist soil (except in their dormant period,) and bright light. They do not have an extensive root system, so unlike many plants, they actually prefer to be crowded in a pot. However, if the plant dries out too quickly, you may need to move it into a larger pot. Fertilize every two to three weeks while the plant in actively growing or flowering, using regular houseplant fertilizer. For application rate, follow directions on the container.

Be aware that no matter how much care you give this plant, at times it will look sick and lose it's leaves. This dormant period, which occurs two to three times a year, is part of the growing process common to all plants grown from bulbs.

During dormancy, stop watering. Let the leaves die back naturally, then remove the dead, brown leaves. Place the plant in a cool, dark place while it goes through its dormancy period. Plants generally "sleep" for about three months. New green shoots signal that the plant is waking up and needs to be moved back into the light.

To divide your shamrocks, wait until the bulbs reach the end of a dormant cycle. Take them out of the pot, and remove small side bulbs. Then replant, just under the surface, in a mix of potting soil and sand. Place in a non-south facing window. Water, keeping the surface just moist to the touch, until plants become established.

Whether you are giving or getting shamrocks this St. Patrick's Day, there's one more thing to keep in mind. Because these plants go dormant, shamrocks are not suitable for growing with other houseplants in mixed pots or planters. If you get a mixed basket of plants, after the holiday, separate the shamrock from the rest and replant it in its own container. Don't wait until the plant turns yellow or sickly looking. By then, its roots will be deeply intertwined with roots of other plants and will be difficult to transplant. Remember this, and you can have the "luck of the Irish" on your side all year long!