Rhodohypoxis


Botanical Information

FamilyHypoxidaceae
GenusRhodohypoxis
CategoryBulbs, Tropicals
OriginSouth Africa.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8b - 9a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)- 10 - (-5)
Temperature (°F)14 - 23
Height10 cm
Spread0 - 0.1 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodJune, July

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionSmall but attractive mat-forming perennial flowers that are commonly found in the African veld.
ID CharacteristicGrassy spear-like leaves with six-lobed, star-shaped, matte-textured flowers. The flowers are at leaf-tip height from the ground – roughly 10 cm. Its leaves are primarily a rich spring green with an outline of very pale yellow-green. Rhodohypoxis can be observed in different colours, from magentas, lilac purples, whites and occasionally a mixture of white and lilac.
LandscapeSmall rock gardens, urban gardens and low pots or pans for informal garden use. Alpine displays, indoor live floral design.
PropagationCan be propagated either by seed or by division. To seed, sow Rhodohypoxis directly into pots in spring or as soon as they ripen. Divide in late autumn.
CultivationRhodohypoxis thrive in well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acidic loam or sand. They require full sun but can tolerate partial sun to a certain degree. Can withstand most dry cold conditions. They cannot withstand Canadian winter wet conditions, so it is highly recommended to shelter them if your area is prone to wet winters.
PestsSusceptible to glasshouse red spider mites and thrips when grown indoors. No known diseases.
Notable SpecimensRhodohypoxis 'Eva-Kate' at RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon, England.
HabitatRocky plains.
Leaf DescriptionGrassy, spear-shaped leaves.
Flower DescriptionSix-lobed, star-shaped flowers.
Colour DescriptionRich spring green leaves outlined with a much paler green-yellow. Flowers that range from magentas, to lilac purples, to reds and even a combination of white and one or more of magentas, lilacs or reds. Green stems that match the inner green of the leaves.
Texture DescriptionSmooth leaves with very fine hairs. Matte but smooth flower petals.

Photographs