Rhodohypoxis Beverly

The Rhodohypoxis 'Beverly' is a new variety of hybrid Rhodoxis, a very pretty small South African bulbous plant that allows for easily creating colourful flowering pots during a very long spring, summer, and even autumn period. This variety was recently selected in the Netherlands for the beauty of its star-shaped flowers, large for the genus, displaying a bright pink-red colour. Easy to grow in the sun in a well-drained non-calcareous soil, multiplying easily and quickly, this Rhodohypoxis will also work wonders in rockeries and sunny borders, in not too cold climates.

Rhodohypoxis belong to the Hypoxidaceae family. They are herbaceous perennial plants with a reserve organ closer to a thickened rhizome than a true bulb. There are 6 species, all native to South Africa, whose growth cycle depends on the local climate; the plant grows and blooms during the hot and rainy season, but goes dormant during the cold and dry season. This explains their low hardiness in cold and humid regions in winter. Rhodohypoxis are appreciated for their long and generous flowering in pink, white, or red stars that truly brighten up gardens, terraces, or balconies.

The Rhodohypoxis 'Beverly' forms a small clump of thin and long ribbon-like leaves, fuzzy, with a marked central vein, of medium green colour, reaching 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) in height when flowering. The clump spreads quite rapidly in width thanks to its bulbous rhizomes. Emerging foliage, from June to October, numerous floral stems. The 6-petaled flowers, unequal, 3-4 cm (1-2in) wide, have the peculiarity of not having visible stamens, they appear to be heartless. In reality, the stamens and pistil are hidden inside the tube formed by the petals fused together at the base. The flowers are solitary or grouped in clusters on the floral stems. The plant goes dormant a few weeks after flowering, with its rhizomes needing to be protected from moisture during this period.

Rhodohypoxis, relatively frost-sensitive, are grown in pots in regions where winters are rigorous and humid. Plant them in March, in small groups of 5 to 10, in acidic, well-drained soil, in a sunny or semi-shaded position, with other small bulbs (muscaris, Ipheion, spring crocus, snowdrops, freesias). In pots, a mixture of blonde peat, garden soil, and vermiculite is necessary, with repotting every year. Fertilizer can be applied two to three times a year. Maintenance consists of removing faded flowers, dividing to keep a minimum of three bulbs per pot, and stopping watering when the leaves wilt. Then, wintering is done in a dark and cool room with monthly watering. Rhodohypoxis are used to create beautiful borders, in rockeries in Breton or Norman gardens that are not exposed to frost.