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If you need a colorful addition to a flower bed that gets hot afternoon sun, you might want to try growing Ixia bulbs. Pronounced Ik-see-uh, the plants are commonly called wand flowers, cornflowers, or African corn lily plants. Ixia wand flower thrives in the hottest and sunniest areas of the garden, producing attractive, sword-shaped foliage and masses of dainty, star-shaped flowers on wiry stems.
When growing Ixia bulbs, which are actually corms, you may be happily surprised to find they are shaped like chocolate kisses. Ixia plant info says to plant the corms 3 to 5 inches (8-13 cm.) deep and 3 inches (8 cm.) apart into fertile, well-draining soil. Southern gardeners should plant them in fall, while those in USDA gardening zones 4 and 5 should plant in spring. Care of wand flowers includes a heavy layer of mulch for fall planted bulbs in zones 6 and 7. A South African native, Ixia plant info indicates African corn lily plants are short-lived perennials and may perform as annuals, not returning after a hard winter. However, Ixia wand flower corms are readily available in garden centers and big box stores and are usually not expensive, so replanting is not much of a chore. Youll find it is worth the effort when the delicate and colorful blooms appear in the garden. The Ixia wand flower blooms in late spring in the south, while the colorful flowers appear in summer in northern areas. When growing Ixia bulbs, you may wish to lift them in fall and store them for the winter. In colder areas, plant wand flowers in large containers and sink them into the ground. When frost approaches, simply lift the pot and store in an area where temperatures remain at 68 to 77 degrees F. (20-25 C.). Damage to the corms starts when outdoor temperatures fall below 28 degrees F. (-2 C.).
The African corn lily, also known as ixia, is a beautiful and rewarding flower to grow in your garden. With its vibrant colors and unique shape, this South African native adds visual interest to borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements. While ixia care is relatively straightforward, there are some key tips to ensure your African corn lilies thrive. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully growing these striking blooms.
African corn lily belongs to the Iridaceae family and the genus Ixia, which contains around 50 species. Some common names for this plant include wand flower, corn lily, and African iris It produces slender, upright foliage and dainty star-shaped blooms on tall stems ranging from 12-36 inches tall
The flowers come in a diverse range of hues like orange yellow pink, white, purple, burgundy, and bi-colors. African corn lily blooms in late spring in warmer climates and early summer in cooler areas. The blooms appear in clustered spikes atop wiry stems with sword-shaped green leaves.
While the flowers only last about a week, the plant blooms prolifically over an extended period from spring to summer. When not in bloom, the strappy foliage provides nice texture and contrast in the garden.
Ixia thrives in zones 3-10, enjoying the heat and preferring sandy, well-drained soils. It’s drought tolerant once established but grows best with regular water during the active growing season. Let’s look at how to plant and care for these South African beauties.
Planting African Corn Lily Flower
African corn lilies are almost always grown from corms, which resemble large teardrop-shaped bulbs. Here are some tips for successfully planting your ixia corms:
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Planting Time: Plant in fall in zones 8-10 for spring blooms. In cooler climates (zones 3-7), plant the corms in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
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Planting Depth & Spacing: Plant corms 2-3 inches deep and 3 inches apart in organically rich, well-drained soil.
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Location: Choose a site with full sun to light afternoon shade. Excellent drainage is key.
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Soil Preparation: Work compost or organic matter into the planting area to enrich the soil. Ixia prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH.
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Planting Tips: Set the corms on a thin layer of sand or gravel to improve drainage. Place them pointed end up.
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Watering: Water the corms well after planting and keep the soil moist until growth emerges.
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Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over freshly planted corms to conserve moisture and insulate the soil.
Follow proper planting techniques for your zone to get your African corn lily corms off to a vigorous start. Proper site preparation and care when first planting will pay off with a robust display of flowers.
Caring for African Corn Lily Plants
Once your ixia is in the ground, just a bit of basic care and maintenance will keep your plants looking their best:
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Watering: Water ixia regularly to keep the soil consistently moist during the active growing and blooming period. Drought tolerance increases once established.
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Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost tea a few times during the growing season for optimal growth and flowering.
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Weeding: Keep planting areas free of weeds which compete for water and nutrients. Use mulch to prevent weeds.
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Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Cut back stems after blooming finishes.
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Dividing: Clumps can be divided every 2-3 years in spring after bloom. Replant the corm sections immediately.
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Pests & Disease: Ixia is relatively trouble-free, but can be affected by iris borers, thrips, and fungal issues if overcrowded.
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Winter Care: In cold climates, dig up corms after foliage dies back and store dormant until spring planting time. Discard any damaged corms.
With proper soil preparation, regular watering, fertilization, and attentive care, your African corn lilies will flourish and brighten up your garden for years to come.
Tips for Growing African Corn Lily
Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of growing African corn lily:
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Plant en masse for a dramatic visual effect. Groupings of 10 or more bulbs make a bold statement.
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Site them near the front of borders so the elegant blooms can be appreciated up close.
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Use as a colorful annual in containers and hanging baskets. Plant 6 corms per 12-inch pot.
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Grow different ixia varieties together for a colorful, complementary mix.
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Use as cut flowers. The slim flower stalks work nicely in bouquets and last up to 5 days.
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Allow plants to self-seed in the garden for naturalizing. Seeds need 2 years to flower.
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Grow in rock gardens, cottage gardens, meadows, and along pathways and patios.
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Plant with other heat-loving bulbs like freesia, gladiolus, crocosmia, and tritonias.
With proper placement in the garden and smart companion planting, African corn lily will shine and add tons of visual appeal.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
African corn lily is relatively untroubled by pests and diseases if given proper care and growing conditions. However, here are some potential problems to look out for:
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Poor Drainage: Stunted growth, bulb rot, and fungal issues can occur in boggy soils. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
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Insufficient Water: Drooping foliage and lackluster blooms may indicate a need for more regular watering during growth.
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Nutrient Deficiencies: Yellowing leaves, weak stems, and reduced flowering can indicate a lack of nutrients. Fertilize plants regularly.
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Insect Pests: Aphids, thrips, scale, and iris borers may sometimes infect plants. Use organic pest control methods if needed.
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Fungal Diseases: Leaf spot, botrytis, root rot, and bulb rot can occur in crowded, damp conditions. Allow for good air circulation.
Catch issues early and adjust care to fix any problems promptly. Proper site selection and care will prevent most troubles with African corn lily.
FAQs About Growing Ixia
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about ixia care:
What are the different varieties of ixia? Popular varieties include ‘Spotlight’, ‘Sunspot’, ‘Marquette’, ‘Cherry Red’, and ‘Pastel Paintbox’. There are over 50 species with many cultivars.
Where is African corn lily native to? Ixia is native to the grassy slopes and meadows of South Africa. It thrives in sunny, arid climates.
Is African corn lily perennial? Ixia is tender perennial in zones 8-10. It often behaves as an annual and may need replacing after harsh winters. Corms can be dug and overwintered indoors.
What colors does African corn lily come in? Ixia flowers appear in vibrant shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple, burgundy, and multi-colors. New cultivars are always being introduced.
Is African corn lily toxic to pets or humans? All parts of the ixia plant are considered non-toxic if ingested. However, it’s always best to keep plants out of reach of pets and children.
Enjoy the Beauty of African Corn Lily
With its easy care requirements and long bloom time, African corn lily is a delightful addition to gardens in many climates. A bit of knowledge on how to successfully plant and care for Ixia will have your garden flourishing with these South African beauties. Showcase African corn lily in borders, containers, and cut arrangements and enjoy their vivid colors from spring through summer!
Care of Ixia Wand Flowers
Care of wand flowers is simple. Keep the soil moist during periods of growth. Mulch heavily if you have cold winters and do not lift the corms. Companion plants for growing Ixia bulbs may include dianthus, Stokes aster, and spring blooming annuals.
Types of Ixia Wand Flower
Ixia wand flower blooms in a multitude of colors, depending on the cultivar planted.
- Turquoise green blooms with purple to almost black centers, called eyes, bloom on the cultivar Ixia viridiflora.
- Panorama is white with purplish red eyes, while Hogarth features cream-colored blooms with a red-purple center.
- The cultivar Marquette has yellow tips with purple black centers.