Rhodohypoxis baurii, commonly known as Red Star or Rosy Posy, is a herbaceous perennial native to the high-altitude grasslands of the Drakensberg mountains in eastern South Africa. It typically grows to a diminutive size of no more than 10 cm (3.9 in) tall and broad. The plant features lanceolate, sharply folded, hairy grey-green leaves and bears pale or deep pink star-shaped flowers that are quite showy throughout the summer. The upturned flowers are held aloft on slender, short straight stalks, creating a charming display. Rhodohypoxis baurii is adapted to a specific seasonal climate with wet summers and dry winters, which is essential for its dormancy period.

The Red Star is valued for its compact form and vibrant flowers, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, alpine troughs, and containers. It thrives in peaty, acidic soil that remains moist during the growing season but dries out in winter. This plant is relatively low-maintenance. It is also prized for its ability to attract pollinators. In cultivation, it is often used in borders or as ground cover, and many ornamental cultivars have been developed with larger flowers and more vigorous growth. Rhodohypoxis baurii has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional qualities for garden use. It can be propagated by seed or division, and while it generally does best in full sun or part shade, it is not tolerant of heavy or waterlogged soils.CC BY-SA 4.0