Purple Shamrock Plant: Perennial. A rhizomatous herbaceous ornamental garden or houseplant in the wood sorrel family that is native to South America. Green to variegated to deep maroon in color. Leaves close at night or when disturbed. White to pink flowers bloom in spring to summer and also close at night. Wants good drainage. Allow the surface to dry between waterings. Place in full sun to partial shade. The plant may go dormant in fall or if it gets too hot or too dry. Cut back on watering and wait for new growth to appear.