Pink Fairy Lily × Rhodoxis hybrida 'Hebron Farm Pink'
ABOUT
× Rhodoxis hybrida 'Hebron Farm Pink', commonly known as the hybrid fairy lily, presents a charming display with its dainty, star-shaped flowers that boast a soft pink hue, often with deeper pink or sometimes almost red markings at the base of each petal. The blossoms, radiating a gentle and warm appeal, typically have a lighter center, which accentuates a delicate textural contrast and often reveals a cluster of yellow stamens at the flower's heart. These flowers are borne atop slender, erect stems, rising from a clump of narrow, grass-like foliage that is glossy and a lush green in color, contributing to the plant's overall graceful and airy appearance. The hybrid fairy lily's foliage tends to arch gracefully, creating an attractive tufted mound that serves as a verdant backdrop for the floral display. The plant's leaves and flowers all emerge from a bulb-like structure nestled within the soil, allowing the ensemble of foliage and blooms to present itself with a cohesive and neat habit. The aesthetic of the hybrid fairy lily makes it an engaging choice for gardeners looking to add a sprinkle of pastel charm and a touch of whimsy to their gardens or containers.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Hyacinthaceae
Synonyms
Pink Fairy, Pink Pixie, Star of Bethlehem, Rhodoxis
Common names
× Rhodoxis hybrida 'Hebron Farm Pink'.
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant known as × Rhodoxis hybrida 'Hebron Farm Pink' is not commonly listed as a toxic plant for humans. However, lacking specific toxicity data for this hybrid, as a general precaution, it's advisable to avoid consuming any part of ornamental plants that are not designated as edible. Ingesting plants that are not intended for human consumption can potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or more serious symptoms in individuals with sensitivities.
To pets
The plant known as × Rhodoxis hybrida 'Hebron Farm Pink' is not commonly listed as a toxic plant for pets either. Nonetheless, many ornamental plants can cause mild to severe digestive upset if ingested by pets so it is generally recommended to prevent pets from eating plants not specifically intended for animal consumption. If you suspect your pet has consumed a portion of this plant and is showing signs of illness, consult a veterinarian. Symptoms can vary based on the part of the plant ingested and the amount consumed but might include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or more severe signs if the plant were to be toxic.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The × Rhodoxis hybrida 'Hebron Farm Pink', commonly known as Pink Fairy, adds a splash of color to gardens with its vibrant pink flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Pink Fairy is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Compact Size: Pink Fairy has a compact growing habit, making it ideal for use in small garden spaces or as a border plant.
- Seasonal Interest: Its blooming season adds visual interest to the garden during the summer months.
- Versatility: It can be used in various settings, including rockeries, alpine gardens, and containers.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Rhodoxis hybrida 'Hebron Farm Pink', commonly known as fairy lily, can be used in fairy gardens to create a whimsical miniature landscape due to its small size and enchanting flowers.
- The fairy lily can be pressed or dried to create natural art pieces, like bookmarks or framed botanical art, as its vibrant pink blooms retain color well.
- Fairy lilies can serve as indicators for seasonal changes in educational settings, as they bloom in response to specific climatic conditions.
- The plant can be used in photography as a delicate subject to practice macro photography skills and capture the intricate details of its flowers.
- In culinary settings, fairy lily petals can be used as a natural garnish for desserts, though it is essential to ensure they are free of pesticides and safe for consumption.
- Using fairy lilies in table centerpieces for outdoor events can add a fresh and vibrant touch to the decor, as their compact size makes them perfect for small arrangements.
- People can incorporate fairy lilies into homemade potpourri mixes, combining the dried flowers with other fragrant materials to create a natural room freshener.
- Fairy lilies can be potted and given as eco-friendly gifts during events like weddings or housewarmings, symbolizing growth and new beginnings as the plants bloom.
- For educational projects, the growth cycle of fairy lilies can be used to teach children about plant biology and the processes of germination and flowering.
- Artists can use fairy lilies as inspiration for botanical illustrations, capturing their delicate form and color in various art mediums such as watercolor or pencil.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Resilience and Strength: Rhodoxis, a cross between the genera Rhodohypoxis and Hypoxis, suggests the strength found in hybrid vigor, symbolizing the ability to withstand diverse conditions and adversity.
- Hope and Renewal: These plants often herald the beginning of spring, and their bright blossoms represent hope and the renewal of life.
- Fragility: Despite their strength, the delicate petals of the 'Hebron Farm Pink' variety can symbolize the fragile and ephemeral nature of beauty and life.
- Love and Affection: The pink color of 'Hebron Farm Pink' is widely recognized as a symbol of gentle emotions, indicating love, warmth, and nurturing.
- Rarity and Uniqueness: As a hybrid species, Rhodoxis hybrida represents uniqueness and the rarity of finding the perfect balance in life or in relationships.
- Water
The Pink Fairy Lily should be watered moderately, ensuring that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which may be once or twice a week depending on the climate and the season. During the active growth period in spring and summer, maintain a consistent watering schedule, providing about one gallon of water every week, but adjust the amount and frequency based on rainfall and temperature conditions. In winter, reduce watering to prevent rot as the plant goes dormant. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf spot diseases.
- Light
Pink Fairy Lily thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An east or west-facing garden bed or window where the plant is shielded from the intense heat of the midday sun but still benefits from the early or late daylight is ideal.
- Temperature
Pink Fairy Lily prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging broadly from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the foliage and flowers. The ideal growing condition for this plant is when the daytime temperature stays around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with cooler nighttime temperatures.
- Pruning
Pruning Pink Fairy Lily is mostly to remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves, which encourages healthy growth and bloom production. The best time to prune is just after the blooms have faded. Deadheading, or the removal of faded flowers, can be done throughout the flowering season. After the plant dies back in the fall, cut back the foliage to an inch above the ground to prepare for winter dormancy.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Fairy Iris thrives in well-drained soil with a mix of loam, sand, and organic matter; a pH range of 6 to 7 is ideal.
- Repotting
Fairy Iris should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Fairy Iris prefers moderate humidity but is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions indoors.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light with good ventilation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with shelter from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Pink Fairy Lily (× Rhodoxis hybrida 'Hebron Farm Pink') starts its life cycle when the seeds germinate, typically in the spring, growing into young seedlings with their first leaves. As the plants mature, they develop a bulb-like corm from which foliage and flowering stems emerge. During the growing season, these stems produce attractive pink, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be collected and propagated, or allowed to fall naturally to produce new plants. In preparation for dormancy, the foliage of the Pink Fairy Lily dies back, and the corms enter a period of rest during the winter months. With the return of favorable conditions in spring, the cycle begins anew with the emergence of fresh growth.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Beira hybrid 'Hebron Farm Pink' is typically propagated by division, a method best performed in the spring as the plants emerge from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire clump of the plant from the ground with a shovel or garden fork, taking care not to damage the roots. Gently tease apart the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has at least one growth point or eye. These individual sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. It's important to maintain consistent moisture while the new plants establish, but avoid waterlogging the soil which can lead to rot.