Also known as Star Grass · 19 saves
Hypoxis
Hypoxis, the genus most gardeners know as star grass. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Hypoxis varieties
Species of Hypoxis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Hypoxis in Sow
Save the Hypoxis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Hypoxis
Whats common across all Hypoxis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Hypoxis year
- DivideApril100% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- PlantApril, May and October75% of varieties
Plant corms in spring or early fall in well-drained, gritty soil
- Spring CleanupMarch50% of varieties
Remove any old, dead foliage before new growth starts
Do
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water during dry spells 💧
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide every few years for healthy growth
- Plant in full sun for best blooms
Avoid
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Use heavy clay soil without amendments ❌
- Plant in shady areas ❌
- Neglect mulching ❌
What goes wrong with Hypoxis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves | Spray with neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Apply insecticidal soap |
| Slugs and snails | Chewed, irregular margins on the narrow leaf blades. | Handpick pests during evening hours or apply organic iron phosphate bait around the base. |
| Leafhoppers | Pale stippling on leaf surfaces. | Dislodge with a sharp spray of water or apply insecticidal soap if feeding pressure is heavy. |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf rust | Small orange or brownish pustules on foliage. | Provide adequate spacing to improve air circulation and avoid wetting leaves. |
Making more Hypoxis
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Plant divisions at same depth as parent
- Water thoroughly after planting
Seed
- Sow seeds on surface of moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for 4 weeks
- Transplant seedlings after 6 weeks
Hypoxis questions
How many types of Hypoxis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Hypoxis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 19 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Hypoxis grow in?
Across its varieties, Hypoxis covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hypoxis bloom?
Most Hypoxis varieties bloom in spring, summer, fall, early spring, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hypoxis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.