Ixia
(ix·ia | \ ˈiksēə \)
Also Known As:
African Cornlily, Wand Flower
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When to Plant: |
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Fall or Spring; Zone dependant |
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Light Requirements: |
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Full Sun |
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Hardiness Zones: |
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Grow as Perennial in zones 8-10. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
About
Ixia is the exotic, South African cousin of the iris family. Bright and cheery, sometimes bicolor, flattish flower spikes bloom on wiry stems with grass-like, sometimes twisted leaves. The blooms have striking, dark semi cup-shaped centers. Ixia thrives in dry, warm climates and offers wildflower charm in the foreground of mixed plants or naturalized in drifts.
Highlights
- Great for patio containers
- Deer & critter resistant
- Showy blooms
- Beneficial to pollinators; Attracts butterflies
- Excellent cut flowers
Planting Care & Instructions
Plant in the spring in zones 3-5. Plant in the fall in zones 6-7, before the first frost hardens the soil. Before planting, soak the corms in lukewarm water 3-4 hours to jump start development.
Dig a hole to the required depth. Place corm in hole with the 'claws' pointing downward. Cover with soil and water thoroughly. Mulch in extreme climates.
Plant ixia in containers 1 inch deep, placing corms close together. Let the soil dry out after blooming, when foliage begins to turn brown. In zones where ixia is not cold hardy, dig up corms after foliage dies back and store until the recommended planting time for your area. Ixia corms that have been planted in containers may remain in dry soil and overwintered indoors until spring.
Refer to the USDA Planting Zone Map to find your zone.
Growing Tips
For the greatest visual impact, plant Ixia in groups in containers and borders. Ixia performs best planted in open, sunny locations with well drained soil, but needs to be protected from frost in cold winter locations. In areas where temperatures dip below 10ºF, refrain from planting until spring to enjoy blooms in early summer.
