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.”
The African Corn Lily is an absolutely gorgeous flower that originates from South Africa. With its vibrant colors and unique trumpet-shaped blooms, it’s easy to see why this flower has become so popular among gardeners and florists. But the applications of the African Corn Lily go far beyond just aesthetics. This versatile plant has a number of excellent uses, making it a valuable addition to any garden.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the many ways the African Corn Lily flower can be utilized. We’ll overview using it for cut flowers, borders, meadows, containers, and more. Let’s uncover why this exotic beauty is so multifunctional!
Before diving into uses, let’s briefly introduce this eye-catching flower The African Corn Lily, scientifically known as Ixia, is a member of the Iridaceae family There are around 50 different Ixia species, predominantly native to South Africa.
These are perennial plants, growing from bulbs or corms. The slender stems reach 1-3 feet tall, topped with elegant blooms in spring or summer The flowers come in a diverse range of hues like orange, yellow, pink, white, and blue
The blooms have a star shape, with six pointy petals They also feature a dark center, providing bold contrast Now that we’ve covered some basics, let’s explore the many ways to enjoy this plant!
Cut Flowers
One of the most popular uses for the African Corn Lily is as a fresh cut flower. The blooms last over a week in arrangements, adding vivid pops of color. Their unique shape provides visual interest and texture.
To use as cut flowers, simply snip a few stems when the lowest flowers on the stalk are open. Place immediately in water. Re-cut the stems and change the water daily. The blooms will delight for 7-10 days!
Flower Beds and Borders
Another excellent use for African Corn Lily is incorporating it into beds, borders, and sidewalk gardens. The upright nature and mid-size height of the plants make them ideal for backgrounds or middles of beds.
Plant bulbs or starts 12-15 inches apart in spring. The lively colors will shine all season long. Deadhead spent blooms to maximize flowering.
Meadows and Naturalization
For more of a wildflower look, African Corn Lilies are perfect for naturalizing in meadows or other large spaces. They add a carefree, lively feel with minimal maintenance needed.
You can scatter bulbs randomly in fall or sow seeds. Space plants or bulbs 8-12 inches apart. Provide ample sunlight and let nature take its course! Self-seeding will create more plants each year.
Container Gardens
Don’t have space in the ground? No problem! African Corn Lily’s slender stature makes it ideal for container gardens. Plant 5-6 bulbs per 6-inch pot in spring.
Add a trellis for the stems to climb as the plants grow. Situate pots on patios, decks, or doorsteps for easy viewing. Bring containers indoors in winter.
Landscape Beds
For a touch of the exotic, utilize African Corn Lily in landscape beds alongside paths, fences, or foundations. Intermingle them with shrubs, ornamental grasses, roses, and other perennials.
The lively flowers will attract admiring glances. Plant in drifts or clusters for bold splashes of color. Deadhead to prolong bloom time.
Pollinator Gardens
Here’s a use that benefits the planet – planting African Corn Lily in pollinator gardens! The nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing food for these essential pollinators.
Situate plants near vegetable gardens, fruit trees, or anywhere you want to invite pollinators. The wildlife will thank you for these vibrant feasts.
Additional Crafting/Decor Uses
Beyond the garden, African Corn Lily flowers also shine when used for:
- Floral arrangements (fresh or dried)
- Potpourri mixing
- Flower crowns/wreaths
- Candles (floating or dried in wax)
- Cooking and garnishing dishes
- Vintage seed packet art/collages
As you can see, the options are truly endless with this versatile plant! It serves many purposes beyond just looking pretty in the landscape.
Discover the Many Benefits of African Corn Lily
Whether used for cut flowers, borders, containers, meadows, or crafting, the African Corn Lily is sure to satisfy. If you’re looking for a flower that provides ample decorative, stylistic, and practical applications, look no further than this South African native treasure.
Have you used African Corn Lilies in any unique ways in your own garden? Share your experiences in the comments! I’d love to learn about more ways to enjoy this stunning plant.
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
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