![\"Rhodohypoxis\"](\"http:\/\/farm5.static.flickr.com\/4071\/4282949300_8b9b4140fd.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFor a short intensely coloured alpine or pot raised plant there is little to touch Rhodohypoxis. The flowers are thick and wax-like white or shades of pink to purple. Interesting doubles are now being bred such as ‘Lilly Jean’,\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHope\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 or \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcKiwi Joy\u00e2\u20ac\u2122.
\nRhodohypoxis grows to 2″ in height although Rhodohypoxis deflexa only reaches 1″ or less depending on position in your garden and Rhodohypoxis ‘Tetra White’ can be 4″ tall.<\/p>\n
Cultivation Tips<\/h2>\n
Regular dead-heading of the spent flowers helps to improve flowering performance.
\nGrown in plastic or terracotta pots, they are best re-potted every year.
\nAdd a high potash slow release fertilizer into the compost at potting time.
\nCompost should be relatively free draining by adding from 30%+ grit to the growing media
\nAround May the first lance-shaped leaf growth appears. They are quite short and form a spikey matting until covered in flowers for the rest of summer.<\/p>\n
Watering and Feeding<\/h2>\n
Rhodohypoxis will happily withstand freezing cold provided the plants are kept almost dry through winter.
\nTheir chances of survival outdoors can be enhanced by placing a pane of glass over the top of them during their dormant period.
\n‘Containerised plants require plenty of moisture in the spring and summer which is reduced as the leaves start to die down in August to October depending on the variety.’
\nProvide a liquid feed to build up the, small corm like, root stock during the growing period.
\nTrim off dead foliage and store corms through winter in a cool environment.
\nPropagate by division when dormant.<\/p>\n
Rhodohypoxis baurii <\/strong> x Rhodoxis<\/strong> is a cross between Hypoxis parvula and Rhodohypoxis baurii usually white flowers with a red eye and visible yellow stamens.<\/p>\n I am indebted to Tale Valley Nursery <\/a>the holder of a National Collection of Rhodohypoxis and x Rhodoxis for there specialist knowledge. I have used their know-how quite extensively in this article. Tale Valley History of the Genus<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Rhodohypoxis\"](\"http:\/\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7024\/6539940275_04705e5ea7.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSpecies<\/h2>\n
\nWhite flowers with shorter but wider leaves.
\n
\nRhodohypoxis deflexa<\/strong>
\nForms a small neat dome with deep red flowers which are slightly scented. Shows greater tolerance of winter wet.
\nRhodohypoxis milloides<\/strong>
\nAn easy to grow species needing a lot of water when in growth. It is tall with an upright habit. Flowers deep red in colour.
\nRhodohypoxis thodiana<\/strong>
\nLow growing and compact. Early white, scented flowers which fade to pink as they mature.<\/p>\n
\nIn November 2010 my local garden centre has been selling off Rhodohypoxis mixed hybrids so I will over winter some and see what I get.<\/p>\n
![\"Rhodohypoxis\"](\"http:\/\/farm5.static.flickr.com\/4007\/4282939346_9c523d61a9.jpg\")
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