How to Grow Rhodohypoxis Plants

Guide to Growing red star / rosy posy

Members of the Rhodohypoxis genus are hardy perennials that reach from 5 to 10 cm; this size makes them ideal for growing in a rock garden.

Rhodohypoxis have lance-shaped leaves

They bloom from spring to the start of summer with multitudes of flat pink, red or white flowers.

Rhodohypoxis milloides 'Claret' by col&tasha.

Rhodohypoxis Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Rhodohypoxis, Red star, Rosy posy
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 2 to 6 inches (5—15 cm).
Native: Southern Africa.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 10.
Flowers: Spring through to early summer.
Flower Details: White, red, pink. Star-shaped. Flat. Single flowers atop multiple stems.
Foliage: Herbaceous. Narrow, lanceolate. Hairy.
Sow/Grow Outside: Usually grown from tubers as seed-grown plants may not stay true.
Seeds: Cover seed. Before the last frost.
Tubers: 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm).
Sow/grow Inside: Germination time: one to three months. Temperature: 50 to 53°F (10—12°C). Two months in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost. Spacing 2 to 3 inches (5—8 cm).
Requirements and care: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Lime-free soil. Occasional light feed. Water to maintain moisture during spring to autumn. Do not water in the winter. Propagate: by dividing offsets in the spring. Self-seeds freely.
Family:
Closely Related Species:
Miscellaneous: Makes a great container plant and is also useful for alpine and rock gardens. The genus is named from the Greek words rhodon (rose/red), hypo (below), and oxy (pointed).

How to Grow Rhodohypoxis

It is best to grow Rhodohypoxis from tubers as Rhodohypoxis grown from seed may not be as pretty. The tubers should be sown at about 3 to 5 cm deep, and 6 to 8 cm apart at the start of spring (before the last frost).

If you do plan to grow Rhodohypoxis from seed then simply cover them with soil; it should take from one to three months for Rhodohypoxis seeds to germinate. Rhodohypoxis likes to grow in a sunny area of the garden that has a well drained lime-free soil.

Caring for Rhodohypoxis

Rhodohypoxis takes a little bit of looking after. They should be lightly fertilised now and again, and the soil watered frequently to keep moist in the growing season. Do not water Rhodohypoxis in the winter. If you require more Rhodohypoxis plants then propagate them by division of offsets in the springtime.

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