It’s almost that time of year again, that time when even just for a fleeting day, we’re all a little bit Irish.

St. Patrick’s Day has always been one of my favorite (and I believe disappointingly underrated) holidays, not only because of the jovial spirits of my fellow Milwaukee pub-goers, but also because the sea of mid-March green attire always puts me in the mood for springtime.

And of course, when I think springtime, I think plants.

Traditionally, people don’t associate St. Patrick’s Day with many blooms other than the iconic Shamrock, but Bells of Ireland, Bamboo, and Bupleurum are also important members of the holiday green.

Bells of Ireland, a favorite of florists, are actually native to the Mediterranean area and are believed to bring luck to those thoughtful enough to include them in their household arrangements. Our florists at Belle Fiori also enjoy including this statuesque plant in wedding centerpieces and displays, knowing their lucky reputation is a sentimental favorite for so many of our couples.

Equally “lucky” and often identified by that very name, Bamboo is also a St. Patty’s Day favorite. Sharing a Lucky Bamboo with loved ones is a fun way to spread the spirit of springtime throughout your life, especially since these hardy stalks are said to promote wealth, happiness, and longevity for those who possess them. Going to a St. Patrick’s Day party? Why not gift your host or hostess a themed offering (and wishes of a little extra luck this year) with the gift of bamboo?

Bupleurum, perhaps only less well known because of its funny name, is also a St. Patrick’s Day staple for florists. While its history is rooted in Asia, bupleurum is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day filler for arrangements needing a little extra green color and texture for their completion. Often used as a medicinal herb, we also believe its links to the promotion of health and wellness make it the perfectly appropriate holiday addition to a variety of festive bouquets.

Of course we know no one is going to be walking around downtown this year wearing Bupleurum t-shirts on March 17th. But we hope now that whenever you see a cute little St. Patricks Day bouquet, you’ll think of us here at Belle Fiori, and of the other not so mainstream plants that are so often overlooked this time of year. And if you’re looking to feel a little extra festive this season-stop in to our shop, and we’ll whip you up a St. Patrick’s Day arrangement for your home or holiday host.

Happy Celebrating!

And, since we can’t leave them out…check out this fun little article on Shamrocks!

SHAMROCKS FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY

By Dr. Leonard Perry

You don’t have to be Irish to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, nor do you need a green thumb to grow shamrocks indoors. This plant, which is associated with this March 17 holiday, is quite easy to grow.

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

The familiar St. Patrick’s Day variety (Oxalis acetosella) is available at florist shops and many grocery stores this time of year. It has tiny, dark green, triangular leaves and grows to a height of about six inches. This variety hails from Europe, Iceland, and Asia. It is not the official Irish shamrock (Trifolium dubium), which is a yellow-flowered clover or trefoil. That clover is difficult to grow indoors, so nurseries and florists sell Oxalis plants instead.

If you are wondering how the shamrock became 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.”
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, 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 is 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 its leaves. This dormant period, which occurs two or 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 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.
Other Oxalis varieties have similar growth requirements though many go through a shorter, or no, dormancy period. Depending on the variety, the plant may have yellow, white, pink, purple, or red flowers and grow as tall as 10 inches. Leaf color ranges from dark green to deep red.

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 in its own container. Don’t wait until the plant turns yellow or sickly looking. By then, its roots will be deeply intertwined with the roots of other plants and will be difficult to transplant.