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Red Star Hypoxis

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Rhodohypoxis
Phonetic Spelling
hy-POK-sis
Description

The scientific name is derived from the Greek words hypo, which translates to below and oxy, referring to the pointed fruit base. This herb overcomes harsh winter months in the form of a corm, which is hard and fleshy and forms an underground rootstock. 

Worldwide, there are approximately 90 species of Hypoxis, with the majority of the species occurring in Africa. 

In the fall through the winter months, it is leafless, while its corm remains underground.  Springtime brings new leaves that grow from the top of the corm. Typically, the leaves are one above the other, forming three rows of outward spreading foliage.  While most varieties boast hairy foliage, some are almost hairless.  The leaves can range from stiff and twisting to soft and drooping.  

The flowing stems, which are unbranched, appear after the spring rains.  Each stem can have 2 to 12 flowers.  The varieties with smaller corms and soft leaves tend to grow quicker, allowing the plant to spread through a garden.  

Space:  4 in. (10 cm)

Depth:  Cover 1 in. (2.5 cm)

Organ:  Corm

Hardiness:  Tender III - Injured below 25 degrees F (2C)

Storage:  Store corms dry at 35 degrees F (2C)

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
H. baurii, H. hirsuta
Tags:
#showy flowers#honey bees#bee friendly#tropical#colonizing#short-lived perennials#wildflower#short lived
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
H. baurii, H. hirsuta
Tags:
#showy flowers#honey bees#bee friendly#tropical#colonizing#short-lived perennials#wildflower#short lived
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hypoxis
    Family:
    Hypoxidaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Used in the garden as a accent.
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Tropical Africa, the Americas, southeast Asia and Australia
    Wildlife Value:
    Honey bees frequent this plant. Small rodents may eat the corms.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Buffer
    Colorful
    Easy to Grow
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The oval capsule, called a pyxis, will split when dry to release two or more black seeds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The star shaped flowers are typically yellow, occasionally white.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Sheath
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Narrow, green, strap-like basal leaves grow from the base of the plant.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Depending on the variety, the stems will end in an umbel of 2 to 12 flowers.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Slope/Bank
    Small Space
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Bees