Mixed African Corn Lily

Family

Iridaceae

Origin

South Africa

Description

Ixia (Ixia spp.) is a beautiful flowering plant boasting star-shaped flowers with varied colours.

Some distinctive traits include sword-like leaves and long wiry stems with star-shaped flowers. The popular corn lily has specific, not very intense fragrance. It is often visited by many insects such as bees.

The Ixia Mixed variety features a delightful blend of colors, including vibrant shades of pink, yellow, white, red, and purple, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and cut flower arrangements.

Plant Ixia bulbs in clusters for a fuller, more dramatic look. They’re also great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Ixia Mix bulbs yield star-shaped flowers in a variety of vivid colors, bringing brightness to summer gardens. They bloom from February to April in plains and from March to May in hill areas. Plant between October and November in both plains and hills.

Environment

Ixia are easily grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained. They thrive in full sun or partial shade where they will multiply rapidly and readily. Ixia  are also drought tolerant (once established), salt tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant. They should be planted in clumps of 12 or more. Plant the bulbs with the pointy side facing upwards, 8-13 cm deep, spacing them 8-10 cm apart.

Ixia may be grown in containers - make sure you select a large pot with drainage holes.

Landscape Use

Ixia make excellent border plants, providing color and contrast to the perennial border.