Growing Rhodohypoxis Successfully
Rhodohypoxis are charming alpine plants from the Hypoxidaceae family, native to South Africa. They naturally grow on high-altitude grassy slopes where summers are wet and winters are dry. Although often grouped with bulbs, Rhodohypoxis actually grow from small corm-like tubers.
In spring, each tuber produces attractive strap-shaped green leaves covered with fine hairs. These hairs help capture moisture and direct it towards the crown of the plant. From April until August, the plants produce a succession of star-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink and deep red.
Most Rhodohypoxis varieties grow to around 5cm in height, making them ideal for alpine gardens, troughs and containers.
Rhodohypoxis deflexa
The smallest species, Rhodohypoxis deflexa, often reaches only 2cm in height. At the other end of the scale, Rhodohypoxis ‘Tetra White’, sometimes known as ‘Helen’, can grow up to 10cm tall.
Rhodohypoxis ‘Tetra White’
Watering and General Care
Rhodohypoxis prefer consistently moist conditions during active growth, but they should never be waterlogged. Begin watering in early April and continue until approximately two weeks after the foliage turns yellow in autumn. This allows the corms to build up energy reserves for winter dormancy.
Container-grown plants can be moved into a cold greenhouse or sheltered location during winter. Allow the compost to dry out while the plants are dormant. January is generally the best time for repotting.
These plants perform best when grown in groups. When dividing established clumps, plant at least three corms together to encourage vigorous growth and flowering.
Recommended Potting Mix
Rhodohypoxis enjoy slightly acidic conditions with a pH between 5.5 and 6.0. A peat-based compost works well, combined with horticultural grit to improve drainage.
- 40 litres sphagnum peat
- 20 litres lime-free horticultural grit (approximately 4mm)
- 90g Dolomite lime
- 120–130g Osmocote slow-release fertiliser
Plant corms in 7cm pots at approximately twice the depth of the tuber. Lightly cover with compost and finish with a decorative grit top dressing. In larger containers, a layer of wire mesh above the corms can help prevent damage from mice during winter.
Position and Light Requirements
A bright position with protection from early morning sun gives the best results. Light shade from the east helps prevent rapid spring growth that can be damaged by late frosts. It also helps maintain the rich flower colours, particularly in dark red varieties.
Pink and white forms generally tolerate full sun better than deep red cultivars, which benefit from approximately 40% shade to preserve their colour intensity.
Growing Rhodohypoxis Outdoors
Despite their reputation, Rhodohypoxis are tougher than many gardening books suggest. In well-drained soil they can tolerate temperatures down to approximately -5°C. Good drainage is essential throughout winter.
When planting directly into the garden, use the same free-draining compost mix recommended for containers. Finish with a 10mm gravel mulch, preferably dark coloured, to showcase the flowers and improve drainage.
Deadheading and Flowering Performance
Rhodohypoxis flower continuously from late spring through summer. Regularly removing faded flowers and stems encourages fresh blooms and prevents rotting flower buds beneath old flower heads.
One of their greatest attractions is their exceptionally long flowering period. Few alpine plants provide such a colourful display for so many months.
Double Flowered Varieties
Recent breeding work has produced several attractive double-flowered forms. One of the most successful is Rhodohypoxis ‘Lilly Jean’, which produces beautiful double pink flowers and performs especially well in containers.
Rhodohypoxis ‘Lilly Jean’
While many newer double varieties are still being assessed for long-term performance, ‘Lilly Jean’ has proven to be both reliable and long-lived.
Another excellent cultivar is Rhodohypoxis ‘E.A. Bowles’, which forms neat clumps covered in attractive pink flowers.
Rhodohypoxis ‘E.A. Bowles’
For gardeners looking for a compact alpine plant with an exceptionally long flowering season, Rhodohypoxis are hard to beat. Their colourful flowers, neat habit and ease of cultivation make them a real showpiece in containers, alpine houses and rock gardens.