Ixia is a genus of short-lived perennials that gives us a number of ornamental plants referred to as ‘African Corn Lilies’.
They grow from corms (sometimes called bulbs) and might be grown as annuals in the UK or given a protected site in winter to make it through to subsequent years.
Ixias are South African plants which bloom in an interesting variety of colours, producing attractive, star-shaped blooms.
The star-shaped flowers form on wiry stems and make great cut flowers, so they are often used in floral arrangements and for cut flower displays inside the home – as well as looking good in the garden.
Though not necessarily the easiest plants to grow in wetter, cooler regions of the UK, they can potentially be a good choice for the warmest and most arid regions, since these plants appreciate warm and relatively dry conditions.
“The warmest winter locations in the UK also tend to be the wettest, such as on the western coasts,” explains Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly.
“Growing in raised beds on slopes and sandy soils will help Ixia bulbs survive outside in milder regions.”
With their striking star-shaped blooms in shades of pink purple, red orange and white, African corn lilies (Ixia species) can bring an exotic flair to any garden. These South African native bulbs are not too demanding, but getting the soil conditions right is key to growing healthy, flowering plants. Read on as I explain the ideal soil properties and types for African corn lilies, along with tips to create the perfect environment for success.
Before discussing soil specifics, let’s take a quick look at these charming bulbs. The genus Ixia contains around 90 species of small perennial flowering plants in the iris family, native to South Africa. They produce delicate-looking but tough blooms on slender, wand-like stems above sword-shaped foliage. The corm-like bulbs multiply easily for more plants. African corn lilies thrive with:
- Full sun
- Good drainage
- Moderate water and fertilizer
- Shelter from strong winds
Plant in fall in zones 8-10 or spring elsewhere. Established plants can handle heat and drought but grow best with average moisture. Container culture is also an option. With the right care, these bulbs provide cheerful, vivid color from early summer into fall. Now let’s go over how to pick ideal soil.
Key Factors for Selecting African Corn Lily Soil
To set your African corn lily bulbs up for success keep these essential factors in mind when choosing a soil
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Exceptional drainage – This is absolutely crucial, as soggy soil leads to rot. Select a fast-draining mix.
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Acidic to neutral pH – Target a pH between 60-70. African corn lilies like slightly acidic conditions.
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Moderate fertility – Some organic matter provides nutrients without overfeeding. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.
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Light, sandy texture – Heavy clay soils retain too much moisture. Loamy, sandy mixes are perfect.
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Good aeration – A loose, airy composition allows the roots to spread freely.
Prepare beds by mixing in compost to enrich and improve drainage in heavy soils. Test pH and correct as needed. With the ideal soil, your bulbs will flourish.
Recommended Soil Types and Mixes
Here are some excellent soil options to consider for African corn lilies:
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Cactus/succulent mix – Blended to be fast-draining but with some peat moss for moisture retention. An excellent store-bought choice.
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Raised bed soil – Many quality commercial blends are perfect for in-ground or raised beds. Look for mixes formulated for drainage.
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Sandy loam or loamy sand – An ideal texture, especially when amended with compost or manure for added nutrients and organic matter.
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Coarse sand/perlite mix – For very fast drainage, combine equal parts sand and perlite. Add a light sprinkling of compost.
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Custom soil blend – Mix sand, peat or coir, compost, and perlite/pumice yourself to control the texture and drainage.
Growing Tips for African Corn Lily Success
To complement your perfect soil, here are some quick tips for growing thriving African corn lilies:
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Plant bulbs at the proper depth – 2 to 3 inches is ideal.
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Provide good air circulation with proper spacing – about 4 to 6 inches apart.
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Use organic mulch like bark chips to keep soil moist and cool.
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Water deeply when soil is partly dry to the touch. Avoid wet feet.
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Fertilize lightly in spring with balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea.
With well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and proper care, your African corn lily bulbs will reward you with vivid, lasting color. The right conditions keep them looking their best while avoiding problems. Give these easy bulbs what they need, and they’ll quickly become a favorite for brightening up hot, sunny spots.
How To Grow Ixia
Ixia can be grown in the ground when grown as annuals or potentially as perennials in the very mildest parts of the UK, where frosts are not typically expected.
They can also be grown in containers, which can be a good idea for most growers in the British Isles because it allows for them to be brought indoors or undercover before colder weather arrives.
The bulbs can begin to experience damage when temperatures fall below -2°C.
Winter wet can also be an issue, even sometimes more of an issue than the winter cold, so they must be protected for winter in most areas.
Containers can be moved to a heated area indoors or in a greenhouse.
Corms left in the ground might also, in milder areas, simply be protected with a thick organic mulch in winter or you can lift the corms and store them until the following year.
Ixia needs to be grown in as warm a location as possible in full sun.
They will not thrive or bloom well in a cooler or more shaded spot and need to be sheltered from the wind and cold breezes.
They can be placed in a location with a south, east or west-facing aspect, as long as it is a sheltered and warm spot with full sun.
Ideally, Ixia will be placed in sandy soil that is free-draining or an equally free-draining potting mix in a container.
Drainage is particularly important as the corms have a tendency to rot if growing conditions become waterlogged.
How to plant a pot of Ixia (corn lily)
FAQ
Should I soak Ixia bulbs before planting?
Do Ixia come back every year?
Are African corn lilies perennials?