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Little bulbous plant from the Drakensberg Mts in South Africa. This is a good rock garden subject in that it likes good drainage in the winter. When growing, keep it watered reasonably and it will bloom its tail off with loads of small reddish flowers. Mulch if bitter cold in winter. This is one of smallest species in the genus and the word "statuesque" will likely never be used in conjunction with Rhodohypoxis. This was simply descriptive and not in the least pejorative. Those little bulbs can be so sensitive about their size.
When you work with plants as long as we have the verdure begins to have a Stockholm-Syndrome-like effect on your brain and you soon begin to demand that even your flowers be green and "viridiflora" sounds like music to your ears. For those in similarly dire straits these South African bulbs and their tall spires of flowers are the cure you're looking for.
In the interest of full disclosure, we received this as Rhodohypoxis rubella from a reputable Dutch specialty bulb grower years back and we are having our doubts as to its veracity. Images of R. rubella in the wild suggest it is lighter pink, but then plants can have tremendous variability in the wild or none at all depending on the species. This has smaller flowers than typical R. baurii or its hybrids and smothers itself in rich deep dark pink flowers. Rhodohypoxis grow in South Africa at higher elevations on granitic cliffs where they inhabit little soil-filled pockets. They like good drainage and moisture while in growth and need the good drainage in winter to keep from rotting. Traditionally a classic bulb for small containers or pans as they they quickly fill out a pot and put on quite the display and then when they are going dormant it is easy to bring them into the garage or cool greenhouse over the winter. Here in the PNW, these are excellent rock garden subjects requiring only a bit of covering if winter temps plummet.
The enemies to lovers trope never gets old in my opinion, and we do our part to contribute by growing this twee South African delight. Banish thoughts of weedy wood-sorrel from your fraught gardening mind and simply embrace the saccharine sweet candy stripe flowers of this bulbous species. While unfortunately frost tender these are quite easy and adaptable as a houseplant, where it provides a pop of winter color in Dec-Feb. Goes dormant in Summer but the unique three-finger foliage arrives in Fall.
