African Corn Lily, Wand Flower
| When to Plant: | |
| Fall or Spring; Zone dependent |
| Blooms: | |
| Late Spring |
| Light Requirements: | |
| Full Sun |
| Plant Height: | ||
| 10-24" | ||
| Hardiness Zones: | |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 8-10. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: | |
| 2-4" |
| Plant Spacing: | |
| 2-3" |
| Plant Type: | |
| Corm |
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 in naturalized drifts.
Plant Ixia in zones 6-10 in the fall. Plant Ixia in zones 4-5 in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Plant in a full sun to partially shaded location.
Ixia loves soil that is rich, porous and drains well but still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed, add fertilizer and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches.
Plant in groups with corms spaced 2-3" apart for the best show. Ixia corms should be planted 2-4" deep. Water thoroughly at planting. Water regularly while growing and in bloom so that water will reach the roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out.
After blooming, let corms grow until plants have turned brown or until danger of frost. Dig, dry, clean and store in a dry, cool place at 40-50ºF to over winter.
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.
