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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.).
African corn lily, also known as ixia, is a gorgeous flower that can bring a pop of color to any outdoor space. With its long blooming period and ability to thrive in warm climates, African corn lily is a great choice for gardens in USDA zones 3-10.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to successfully grow African corn lily flowers in your own backyard.
Selecting the Right Location
Choosing the optimal site to grow African corn lily is key to helping the plants flourish. These flowers prefer:
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Full sun to partial shade – aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Well-drained soil – standing water can cause the bulbs to rot.
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Sandy or loamy soils – though they can adapt to different soil types.
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Warmer climates – they thrive in zones 3-10 in the U.S.
Good drainage is especially important, so avoid low-lying areas of your yard. Situate African corn lily flowers in raised garden beds, on slopes, or in rock gardens.
Preparing the Soil
African corn lilies grow best in organically rich, slightly acidic soil. About 4-6 weeks before planting, work compost or well-rotted manure into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
You can also mix in a balanced fertilizer to provide extra nutrients. Adjusting the pH to around 6.0-6.5 creates ideal conditions.
Before planting, loosen and break up the soil with a shovel or garden fork so it’s loose and crumbly. This allows the bulbs to settle in and establish deep roots.
Planting the Bulbs
African corn lilies are grown from bulbs, which should be planted in spring once the threat of frost has passed. If planting bulbs:
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Dig holes or trenches 2-3 inches deep. Space holes 12-18 inches apart.
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Place the bulbs pointy-side up in the holes, about 2-3 inches deep.
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Backfill the holes with soil, tamping down gently.
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Water thoroughly after planting.
You can also densely cluster bulbs 3-4 inches apart for a fuller look. Just increase the watering to account for competition.
If starting African corn lily from seeds, sow seeds on the soil surface after last frost. Cover lightly with soil and keep moist.
Caring for Your African Corn Lily Flowers
With proper care, African corn lily flowers will thrive with minimal fuss. Here are some tips:
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Water: Water regularly during the growing and blooming season, about 1-2 inches per week. Reduce watering once plants become dormant.
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Fertilize: Feed plants monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer while actively growing. Avoid over-fertilizing.
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Deadhead: Snip off faded blooms to encourage more flowering.
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Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and block weeds.
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Divide: Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years in fall to rejuvenate.
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Winter care: In cold climates, dig up bulbs once foliage dies back and store over winter in a cool, dry place.
With proper site selection, preparation, planting, and care, African corn lily flowers are relatively easy to grow in the home garden!
How to Identify African Corn Lily Varieties
There are around 50 total species in the ixia genus that fall under the common name African corn lily. Some popular types include:
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Ixia viridiflora: Features greenish-turquoise star-shaped blooms on 12 inch stems.
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Ixia maculata: Bears white flowers with dark center stripes on 18 inch stems.
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Ixia dubia: Produces bright yellow blooms on tall 24-36 inch stems.
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Ixia monadelpha: Displays vibrant red flowers on shorter 8-10 inch stems.
Cultivars offer diverse flower forms and a rainbow of colors like purple, pink, orange and more. Visit local nurseries and catalogs to view options.
Timing African Corn Lily Flowering
African corn lilies bloom in mid-spring into early summer, typically April through June. However, you can extend the flowering display by:
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Planting bulbs in successive intervals, like every 2-3 weeks.
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Choosing varieties with different bloom times.
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Staggering planting sites around your yard for varied microclimates.
Deadheading spent blooms also promotes continued flowering if done consistently. With some planning, you can enjoy corn lily blossoms for months!
Using African Corn Lily in the Landscape
With their elegant flowers and grassy foliage, African corn lilies make excellent landscape plants. Consider using them:
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In rock gardens, borders or cottage garden beds.
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As accent or filler plants in sunny perennial gardens.
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In groupings or drifts of one bold color for impact.
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In containers like window boxes or planters.
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As cut flowers – their long vase life brightens floral arrangements.
Blending African corn lily with early bulbs like tulips or late perennials like salvia creates a continuous tapestry of color in the garden.
Troubleshooting Common African Corn Lily Problems
African corn lilies are generally unfazed by most issues. But occasionally they can develop:
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Rotting bulbs: Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
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Leaf spots or blights: Improve airflow and promptly remove affected foliage.
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Pests: Aphids, thrips, etc. can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
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Lack of blooms: This can result from overcrowding, over-fertilizing, or insufficient sunlight.
Catching problems early and providing proper growing conditions prevents most complications with African corn lily.
Frequently Asked Questions about African Corn Lily
Still have questions? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about growing African corn lily flowers:
How fast do African corn lilies grow?
African corn lilies grow at a moderate pace, reaching their full 1-3 foot size within one growing season after being planted as bulbs. The flowers typically bloom about 2-3 months after planting.
Should I cut back African corn lily after flowering?
No, allow the foliage to die back naturally after the growing season ends. Foliage provides nutrients that recharge the bulb for the next season’s flowering.
Are African corn lilies hardy or tender perennials?
African corn lilies are considered half-hardy or tender perennials, only hardy to zone 9. In zones 3-8, the bulbs need to be dug up and overwintered indoors until spring.
Can African corn lilies tolerate drought or dry conditions?
African corn lilies are pretty drought-tolerant once established. Just ensure they receive adequate water during the first year while the roots develop.
Are African corn lilies deer resistant?
Deer tend to leave African corn lily plants alone due to their minimal scent and unappealing foliage. So yes, they can be a good deer-resistant flower.
Do African corn lilies spread or self-seed?
African corn lilies don’t typically spread rapidly on their own. You can encourage self-seeding by allowing spent flowers to dry on the plants. Gently scatter seeds in fall.
Enjoy Vibrant Color in Your Garden With African Corn Lily
With its vivid blossoms and easygoing nature, African corn lily deserves a place in gardens across warm climates. Follow this guide’s tips for choosing the ideal site, properly planting bulbs, and providing attentive care. Soon you’ll be rewarded with a dazzling and carefree display that blooms from spring into summer.
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.
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.