(c) Herb Senft
Rhodohypoxis baueri -- South African bulb
This deciduous grasslike perrennial is suitable for rock garden and pot culture. The nearly cormlike rhizomes do prefer good drainage, and in spring clumps of hairy, grass-like leaves appear. Beginning a month later and continuing well into summer they desplay small six-parted, star-like flowers on small 3" stems. There are many named forms. 'Tetra Red' and 'Tetra Pink' and 'Great Scott' are a few of those available.
Wayne Roderick, Marshal Olbrich and Carmen's Nursery in California were some of the earliest pioneers in introducing this plant. Skyline Nursery of Sequim introduced it to the Pacific Northwest in the early 80's. A Spokane Nursery offered them as well.
The plants are winter deciduous. They need sun and well drained soils. Moderate watering and little fertilizer. Protecting them from winter rain is a plus. I simply put a cedar shake over the plants with a rock on it and in late January I remove it.
One caution, do not mulch with straw. Mice love these bulbs and the mulch can hide much activity. In the spring one might not find your bulbs, but a multitude of mouse turds. :-)
This deciduous grasslike perrennial is suitable for rock garden and pot culture. The nearly cormlike rhizomes do prefer good drainage, and in spring clumps of hairy, grass-like leaves appear. Beginning a month later and continuing well into summer they desplay small six-parted, star-like flowers on small 3" stems. There are many named forms. 'Tetra Red' and 'Tetra Pink' and 'Great Scott' are a few of those available.
Wayne Roderick, Marshal Olbrich and Carmen's Nursery in California were some of the earliest pioneers in introducing this plant. Skyline Nursery of Sequim introduced it to the Pacific Northwest in the early 80's. A Spokane Nursery offered them as well.
The plants are winter deciduous. They need sun and well drained soils. Moderate watering and little fertilizer. Protecting them from winter rain is a plus. I simply put a cedar shake over the plants with a rock on it and in late January I remove it.
One caution, do not mulch with straw. Mice love these bulbs and the mulch can hide much activity. In the spring one might not find your bulbs, but a multitude of mouse turds. :-)
