Hypoxis hemerocallidea – Hypoxis rooperi – Starflower – Star Grass –

Description

Hypoxis – Starflower – Star Grass – There are about 150 species of cormous perennials, in this genus. They are widespread in Africa, Southeastern Asia, Australia, and North, Central and South America. It produces linear to lance shaped, ribbed, 3-12″ long, light to mid green, basal leaves often covered with hairs. From spring to summer it bears usually yellow star shaped flowers, ½-1 ½” diameter held singly or in loose clusteers atop of wiry stems. Grow in a rock garden. Plant corms 1 1/4″ deep when dormant, in humus rich, moist but well drained soil in full sun with some midday shade, or in dapple shade. Protect from excessive winter and summer, moisture, and shelter from cold, drying winds. Starflowers resent transplanting once established. Prone to rust and leaf spots. H. hemerocallidea – H. rooperi – This cormous perennial from grasslands of South Africa grows 6-8″ tall. It produces arching, lance shaped, hairy, mid green, deeply channeled, basal leaves 12-18″ long and 3″ wide. From spring to summer atop of branched stems, to 18″ high, it carries up to 8 bright yellow, green backed flowers, to 1 ½” across. Zones 7-9