Family: lridaceae
Common Name: African Corn Lily

Native to South Africa, this genus comprises around 45 species of cormous plants which produce an abundance of pretty, fragrant, starry flowers, about 5 cm (2 in) across, on long stems in spring to early summer. Hybrids are available in a lovely range of colours, including shades of red, pink, orange, yellow and cream, with dark centers. The blossoms open fully only in sunshine, forming an attractive cup shape when partly open, and closing in the evening and on cloudy days. The long, slender leaves die down to the ground in midsummer. Ixias are best in massed groups in the garden, but also make good pot plants and cut flowers.

Species

I. campanulata grows to 30 cm (12 in), with dark purple or crimson flowers in spring to early summer.

I. maculata, to 60 cm (24 in), is the most commonly grown species, with brown­centerd, orange-yellow flowers, spotted with black, along the ends of the stems in spring.

I. patens grows to about 45 cm (18 in), producing pink flowers with green throats in spring.

I. viridiflora, to 30 cm (12 in), is quite exquisite in full bloom. Pale, blueish green flowers, with purple-black centers, appear in spring.

Cultivation

Where temperatures drop below freezing, grow in pots in a cool greenhouse. Pot corms in autumn, in soil-based potting compost. Ensure maximum light and airy conditions. Keep compost completely dry when corms are dormant. Repot into fresh compost annually. Outdoors, plant corms 15 cm (6 in) deep in a warm, sunny, well-drained border.

Climate

Warmer parts of zone 9.