Hypoxis baurii, the red star or rosy posy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Hypoxidaceae which is native to South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland, where it grows in damp meadows.[1] [2] Growing to no more than 10cm (00inches) tall and broad, it is a herbaceous perennial with lanceolate, sharply folded, hairy grey-green leaves, and pale or deep pink star-shaped flowers throughout summer. The upturned flowers are held on slender, short straight stalks. The tepals are of equal length and held alternately in two ranks.[1]
The specific epithet baurii is named for Reverend L. R. Baur (1825-1889), who collected Rhodohypoxis in South Africa.[3]
It prefers a peaty, acid soil which stays reliably moist in summer but dries out in winter to ensure a suitable dormant period. The necessary conditions may be achieved in a pot or trough, or by planting it in peat pockets. Propagation is by seed or division. Many cultivars have been developed for ornamental garden use. Most are larger-flowered and more vigorous than the species. Cultivar names include 'Apple Blossom', 'Dawn', 'Emily Peel' and 'Susan Garnett-Bottfield'.[2]
Rhodohypoxis baurii has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4] [5]