Originally from South Africa Ixia are a corm, rather than a bulb that flower in spring. These easy care plants are originally from South Africa and are sometimes called ‘Corn Lilies’. A number of varieties are available for sale online.
In a sunny position and well drained soil, these are a reliable flowering bulb that add colour to any garden.
Ixiae are a spring flowering bulb with a number of species and many named varieties available for sale in Australia.
I. maculata, and the much sought after striking I. viridifolia a turquoise flowering species with dark centred flowers are the two best known species in Australia. Clump forming and drought tolerant they also grow well in containers. Foliage consists of narrow sword shaped leaves
Also known as the ‘corn lily or wand flowers’ Ixia make great cut flowers courtesy of the tall strong stems. I maculate is a yellow flowering species, but variable with tones ranging from yellow through to red (picture right) and almost purple.
How to Grow Ixias
These plants are grown from small bulbs or corms, originally from fairly free draining sunny positions and require this to grow well.
A free draining good quality potting mix will be required if growing in pots.
Bulbs are planted at around 7cm (3 inches) deep and then watered in well.
Ixia do not require a lot of fertiliser, however as clumps expand soil will naturally become exhausted and larger clumps can be divided and replanted during summer dormancy.
Water when new growth starts, but Ixia are fairly drought tolerant.
Ixia Varieties.
- I. dubia – Yellow flowers with contrasting black centres.
- I. polystachys ‘ alba’ – White flowering.
- I. viridifolia – wonderful turquoise flowers.
Ixia Bulbs or Corms are available for sale form the following nurseries
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
2 Jacksons Hill Rd, Menzies Creek VIC 3159
Hundreds of different varieties of daffodils as well as other beautiful spring & autumn flowering bulbs for home gardeners. Free colour catalogues available. Tulips, Daffodils,Alliums, Freesias, Iris and many other bulbs.
www.daffodilbulbs.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au