Rhodohypoxis
Botanical Information
| Family | Hypoxidaceae |
| Genus | Rhodohypoxis |
| Category | Bulbs, Tropicals |
| Origin | South Africa. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8b - 9a |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H4 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | - 10 - (-5) |
| Temperature (°F) | 14 - 23 |
| Height | 10 cm |
| Spread | 0 - 0.1 m |
| Growth | Slow |
| Flowering Period | June, July |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Small but attractive mat-forming perennial flowers that are commonly found in the African veld. |
| ID Characteristic | Grassy 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. |
| Landscape | Small rock gardens, urban gardens and low pots or pans for informal garden use. Alpine displays, indoor live floral design. |
| Propagation | Can 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. |
| Cultivation | Rhodohypoxis 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. |
| Pests | Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mites and thrips when grown indoors. No known diseases. |
| Notable Specimens | Rhodohypoxis 'Eva-Kate' at RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon, England. |
| Habitat | Rocky plains. |
| Leaf Description | Grassy, spear-shaped leaves. |
| Flower Description | Six-lobed, star-shaped flowers. |
| Colour Description | Rich 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 Description | Smooth leaves with very fine hairs. Matte but smooth flower petals. |
Photographs
Rhodohypoxis 'Eva-Kate' at RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon, England.
Rhodohypoxis 'Midori' at RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon, England.
Rhodohypoxis 'Pintado' at RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon, England.