The long flowering Rhodohypoxis are small bulbs that thrive in containers as well as in rock gardens.
From South Africa, these are a small tuberous rooted alpine perennial. Sun loving but need water once a week during summer. Flowers in late Spring right through Summer, red, pink to white with pink flush.
Rhodohypoxis grow well in full sun to part shade, but sun is best. Low growing with grass like foliage they are mainly grown for their colourful flowers which generally appear in spring.
Rhodohypoxis baurii ‘Stella’ is a large flowering cultivar and well worth looking for (see picture right)
Generally low growing to around 10cm we tend to grow Rhodohypoxis in containers and move them to a prominent position in spring as they begin to flower. They also work well in the rock garden.
These wonderful little plants are originally from South Africa where they grow in the foothills at around 1000m. In this climate the winters are fairly dry, so a well drained position is essential, summers are warm but with lots of rain, so moisture during summer, but still well drained.
Rhodohypoxis Growing conditions and care
They do require a well drained soil, particularly in winter and are often grown in containers or rock gardens. The most commonly grown species is Rhodohypoxis baurii which is available in a dark pink to red through to lighter pinks and almost white.
These little plants will ‘disappear’ underground during winter, and the bulbs are small so make sure you know where they are if planted in the garden. In the natural climate they experience dry winters and wet summers so we need to replicate this in cultivation. Some growers store the corms dry over winter, but good drainage is usually enough.
Propagation is from offsets of the corms and roots, which can be divided in early spring or, they can be grown from seed. You can divide during active growth if you can keep them moist and cool over the summer.
For even more flowers deadhead the spent stems (we snip them off with a pair of garden scissors). Fertilize regularly with a good liquid seaweed fertilizer and repot every 3 years as they tend to exhaust the potting mix.
Species and further information
Rhodohypoxis baurii, Rhodohypoxis deflexa and Rhodohypoxis milloides are all perennial plants that grow from bulbs or tubers the later two species are rarely available in Australia. Low growing and often grown in rock gardens or pots Rhodohypoxis species form an attractive carpet of flowers in spring.
Rhodohypoxis are available for sale from the following nurseries
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au