Rhodohypoxis bulbs and plants

From South Africa, Rhodohypoxis are a small tuberous rooted alpine perennial. Sun loving but need water once a week during summer. Flowers in late Spring early 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)

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. Offsets can be divided in early spring or grown from seed.

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.