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' is boasting loose spikes of sunny yellow, star-shaped flowers adorned with a wine-red eye.
Ixia Yellow Emperor bulbs develop bright yellow star-shaped flowers that illuminate summer gardens. Blooming occurs from February to April in plains and March to May in hills. Planting is recommended in October and November. Available at myBageecha.
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.
