Culture
Best grown in consistently moist, slightly acidic, very well-draining soil in full sun to part shade. Requires regular moisture in the summer, but dry conditions during winter dormancy. Cold and wet winter conditions will inevitably prove lethal to this plant. Site only where sharp winter drainage can be provided. Resume watering in spring when the foliage begins to reappear. Hardy in Zones 7-9. Does best as a container plant in the St. Louis climate. Simply bring indoors to a cool, dry location for winter and refrain from watering. Can be easily propagated through division once clumps have had a few growing seasons to fully establish.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Rhodohypoxis baurii, commonly called red star, is a creeping, stoloniferous, herbaceous perennial that grows from tuberous rhizomes and forms a carpet of bright flowers and grass-like foliage. Native to the Drakensberg region of southern Africa, where it is found growing in large swaths on moist, rocky slopes at altitudes between 3500-10,000'. Plants only reach around 4-5" tall and spread by underground stolons to form up to a 1' diameter clump. The narrow, upright leaves are covered in fine hairs and have a distinct center fold, appearing much like a tidy clump of grass. The flowers last for a few months from spring to summer, nearly covering the foliage with pastel pink to magenta, six-petaled blooms.
The genus name Rhodohypoxis comes from the Greek rhodo meaning "rose", hypo meaning "beneath", and oxys meaning "sharp", in reference to the color of the blooms and the shape of the seed capsule
The specific epithet baurii honors Rev. Leopold Richard Baur (1827-1889), a German pharmacist, missionary, and botanist who collected extensively in southern Africa.
Common name refers to the shape and color of the blooms.
'Helen' features white flowers with a light pink blush on the tips of the petals. This cultivar is sometimes sold under the name 'Tetra White', but the two selections are considered synonymous.
Problems
No known pest or disease problems. Relatively easy to grow, but will not survive wet and cold winter conditions.
Uses
Rock gardens, alpine gardens, or containers. A popular choice for fairy gardens and bonsai plantings.