African Corn Lily

Family

Iridaceae

Origin

South Africa

Description

Ixia (Ixia spp.) is a beautiful flowering plant boasting star-shaped flowers in a range of colours including pink, red, white, blue and purple.

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.

Ixia 'Yellow Emperor' produces striking star-shaped blooms in vibrant yellow with distinctive wine-red centers, creating luminous focal points in summer landscapes. These bulbs flower from February to April in plains and March to May in higher elevations, with optimal planting during October and November. Ideal for gardeners seeking reliable, season-long color with minimal maintenance requirements.

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.