Ixia - Corn Lily

Family: Iridaceae

Common Name(s): Corn Lily 

Native to: South Africa

Flowering: Spring

Watering: Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth.

Planting Aspect: Full Sun, Part Shade

Preferred Climate:

 

Subtropical, Grassland

Description

Masses of delightful and variously coloured star shaped flowers on wiry stems in spring and early summer. They are also known as ‘Wand Flower’ due to the thin, wiry stems waving in the wind. The flowers close in the evenings and on cloudy days. They grow to about 45cm in height and also have 3 to 5 long slender leaves. Ixia is perfect for mass planting in both small and large gardens.

Cultivation

Select a sunny location, but with afternoon shade in very hot locations and preferably where no summer watering will be done. The soil should be free draining but moisture retentive. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out. Plant the bulbs 3 to 5cm deep and 8 to 10cm apart. Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth. Discontinue watering altogether when the leaves begin to die back. A general fertiliser need only be applied if the soil is particularly poor. No particular pests or diseases but protect them from snails and slugs.