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Ixia

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description Ixia Overview

Ixia is a genus of cormous perennial plants in the iris family, Iridaceae, commonly known as African corn lilies. Most species are native to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, a botanically distinctive area with high plant diversity. Ixia plants produce narrow leaves and star-shaped flowers in several colors, often with contrasting centers. They are cultivated as spring-flowering ornamentals in climates where the corms can be kept from severe frost.

help Ixia FAQ

Is Ixia grown from bulbs or corms?

Ixia species are cormous perennials in the iris family, Iridaceae, so the underground storage organ is a corm rather than a true bulb. The corm lets the plant survive a seasonal dry or dormant period.

Where does Ixia come from?

Most Ixia species are native to South Africa's Cape Floristic Region, a global center of plant diversity. That origin helps explain their preference for bright light and soil that drains well during dormancy.

When do African corn lilies flower?

Ixia commonly flowers in spring, although the exact timing varies with species, climate, and planting date. After the leaves and flowers finish, the corm can enter dormancy, so reducing water at that stage is usually important.

Can Ixia grow in heavy, wet soil?

Ixia is a poor match for soil that stays saturated, because wet conditions can rot the corm. Use a well-drained bed or container and keep dormant Ixia corms drier than actively growing plants.

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