Guide to growing garden plants - Ixia Corn lily

Ixia species are grown from half hardy bulbs.

They have grass like leaves and stellar flowers of blue, purple, red or white.

These come into bloom from spring into summer.

Some of the common names for Ixia are Corn lily, African Iris and African Corn lily.

How to grow Corn Lily

Corn lilies are usually grown from corms; these should be planted on top of sand at a depth of 10cm, and about 10cm apart into a rich well drained soil. The corms can be planted in spring for flowers at the end of summer or at the beginning of winter for spring flowers. It is possible to grow Corn lily from seed, though it may take more than three years for them to flower, simply cover the seed in soil after the last frost of spring. Ixia members can be grown in either sunny or partially shaded areas of the garden.

Caring for corn lily and other Ixia plants

It is fairly easy to look after Corn Lily and other Ixia; they require regular watering whilst growing and flowering. In very cold areas bring the corms indoors and store in a dry place; replant in the spring. If you require more plants then the corms can be divided in the spring.