Hypoxis hygrometrica
golden weather-grass
Overview
Hypoxis hygrometrica is a small tuberous perennial herb growing 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) tall from an underground corm, with a tuft of narrow, grass-like basal leaves that are softly hairy. Slender stalks rise from the base carrying star-shaped flowers about 0.5-0.8 inch (12-20 mm) across, with six golden-yellow tepals and a green-tinged reverse. The flowers open in sunny conditions and close in dull or wet weather, the habit behind the common name golden weather-grass. Native to eastern and southern Australia, it grows in grassland, open woodland, and heath on free-draining sandy and loamy soils, scattered among grasses and low herbs. The plant dies back to its corm over the dry or cold season and re-emerges with the warmth and moisture of spring. It tolerates drought and poor soil through its underground storage, but the leaves are easily hidden among taller grasses and the flowers are open only part of the day. Growth is slow, and clumps build gradually from offsets and self-sown seed. The grassy foliage and brief, weather-dependent flowers make it a subtle part of native grassland rather than a continuous display.
Native Range
Native to eastern and southern Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. It grows in grassland, open woodland, and heath on free-draining soils.Suggested Uses
Used in native grassland plantings, rockeries, and containers, spaced 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart in groups. Suited to sunny, free-draining sites where its low grassy foliage mixes with other small natives.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 10"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Yellow star-shaped flowers open from spring into summer, roughly September to February, on slender stalks above the leaves. Each flower opens in sunny weather and closes when conditions are dull or wet, so the display shifts with the day. Flowering continues over several weeks as new buds form.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade on free-draining sandy or loamy soils. The corm stores water and nutrients, letting the plant survive drought and the dormant dry or cold season. Water is needed during spring and summer growth, with a drier rest once the leaves die back. It tolerates low-fertility soil and needs no routine feeding. In containers it suits a free-draining mix kept just moist during growth. Clumps slowly increase from offsets and self-sown seed.Pruning
No pruning is needed. The leaves and flower stalks die back naturally as the plant enters dormancy and can be cleared once dry. The corm is left undisturbed below ground until the next growing season.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons