The Ixia, also known as African Corn Lily or wand flower, is a captivating spring-flowering plant from the iris family. Native to South Africa, it thrives on rocky hillsides and in grasslands, bringing vibrant color to gardens around the world.
These colorful beauties are characterized by spikes that bear a multitude of cheerfully colored star-shaped flowers with bright centers. With its star-shaped flowers in a range of colors, including pink, red, white, blue, and purple, the Ixia is a popular choice for those seeking something a little different in their gardens.
In UK gardens its bright, colourful blooms and sword-shaped leaves make it a popular choice for those looking for something a little different. Plus, flowering from May to June, it helps to bridge the gap between spring- and summer-flowering bulbs.
Description
Ixia ‘Spotlight’ is a cormous perennial that showcases loose spikes of white, star-shaped flowers. Each bloom is adorned with a dark purple eye and a deep pink stripe on the reverse of its petals.
Blooming from late spring to early summer, the elegant blossoms, up to 20 per stem, open nearly flat in full sun but remain cupped or closed on cloudy days. They are borne on wiry stems and rise above the grasslike leaves.
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Ixia Mabel stands out with upright panicles of long-lasting, star-shaped, bright magenta flowers that dazzle through the summer. The blooms gradually open wide to reveal magnificent, deep, dark, contrasting eyes, perched atop super slender stems amidst sword-shaped, dark green foliage.
The plant typically grows to a height of 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) and spreads about 2-3 inches.
Growing Conditions
Ixia performs best in the following conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal.
- Soil: Well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Ensure the soil is not waterlogged, as this can cause the bulbs to rot.
- Water: Water sparingly until flower spikes appear, then water freely.
- Fertilizer: Apply high potash liquid feed every 2-3 weeks until the foliage fades.
Planting Ixia Bulbs
Planting Ixia bulbs at the right time and in the right way is crucial for their growth. Here’s a guide to help you through the process.
Timing
When it comes to planting your African Corn Lily, timing is everything.
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- Florida: March to April
- California: March to May
- Texas: March to April
- New York & Colorado: Late May to early June
- Ohio: Late April to early May
Planting Instructions
Plant ixia bulbs in pots in spring and keep in a frost-free spot such as a greenhouse or windowsill. Plant out into the garden after all risk of frost has passed, from May onwards.
- Plant corms 5 inches deep (12 cm) and 2-3 inches apart.
- Plant the bulbs with the pointy side facing upwards, 10-15cm deep, spacing them 10-15cm apart.
Southern gardeners should plant them in fall, while those in USDA gardening zones 4 and 5 should plant in spring.
Grow Beautiful Flowers of Ixia From Bulbs || African Corn Lilies
Care of Ixia
Ixia requires minimal care once established. Here’s how to keep your Ixia plants healthy and vibrant:
- Watering: Water the plants regularly during the growing season but be careful not to overwater as this can cause the bulbs to rot.
- Pruning: Ixia doesn’t require regular pruning.
Overwintering
As ixia bulbs are not frost hardy, lift them from the ground in autumn to store over winter. Follow these steps to ensure the bulbs survive the cold months:
- Carefully dig up the bulbs, taking care not to damage them.
- Shake off any excess soil and allow the bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated area for a day or two.
- Once dry, remove any remaining foliage or debris, and then store the bulbs in a cool, dry place, such as a paper bag or a mesh bag, to prevent them from rotting or drying out.
- Then simply replant them after all risk of frost has passed, in spring.
Propagation
As a bulbous perennial, ixia naturally clumps up and can be propagated by division. The easiest time to do this is in autumn, when you dig the bulbs up for winter storage. Simply separate the bulbs and replant as new clumps in spring.
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Pests and Diseases
In general, ixias are not known to be prone to any major diseases. It's also important to choose a reputable supplier when buying ixia.
Varieties of Ixia
Ixia wand flower blooms in a multitude of colors, depending on the cultivar planted.
- Ixia viridiflora: Turquoise green blooms with purple to almost black centers, called eyes.
- 'Panorama': White with purplish red eyes.
- 'Hogarth': Cream-colored blooms with a red-purple center.
- 'Marquette': Yellow tips with purple black centers.
With proper care and attention, African Corn Lilies will bring a burst of brilliance and color to your garden, making them a delightful addition to any landscape.
