African Lily (Bulbs) Ixia YELLOW

Ixia — African Corn Lily, also called Wand Flower — is a captivating South African cormous bulb producing tall, wiry stems topped with starry yellow blooms, often with a contrasting dark eye. One of the finest cut flowers in the bulb world; incredibly elegant and long-lasting in arrangements. Plant in fall for a spectacular late spring to early summer display. Excellent for outdoor beds, containers, and cutting gardens. Hardy in zones 8–10; overwinter with protective mulch in zone 7. Prefers hot, dry climates. Bulb size: 5+ cm.

Plant Highlights

• Starry yellow blooms on tall, wiry stems — outstanding cut flower
• Blooms late spring to early summer — plant corms in fall for best results
• Native to South Africa; prefers hot, dry conditions and full sun
• Excellent for outdoor beds, containers, and cutting gardens
• Hardy in zones 8–10; mulch for zone 7 protection
• Height: 18–26 inches

Outdoor Bed Planting Guide

Site: Full sun; sheltered from high winds. Soil must drain well — no standing water 5–6 hours after rain. Amend with compost, peat moss, or ground bark if drainage is poor.

Planting: Place corms pointy-end up, 4 inches deep and 4 inches apart. Water well after planting. Roots develop within 1–2 weeks; above-ground growth appears the following spring.

During growth: Water as needed — approximately 1 inch per week. Cut flower stems freely for bouquets; apply fertilizer afterward to support future flowering.

After bloom: Leave foliage in place after blooming; do not remove it. Foliage photosynthesizes and restores energy to the corm. When foliage yellows and dies back, the plant is entering dormancy — remove foliage at this point. Allow corms to dry during summer dormancy.

Autumn feeding: Apply a water-soluble fertilizer once in autumn to support root development and encourage larger blooms the following season.

Container Planting Guide

Soil: Use quality, well-draining potting mix. Ensure containers have adequate drainage holes — corms must never sit in waterlogged soil.

Planting: Place corms close together — about 1 inch apart — pointy-end up, 4 inches deep. Site containers in full sun. Pairs well with oxalis in mixed containers.

Care: Follow the same watering, dormancy, and feeding guidance as for outdoor beds.

Planting Specs

• Common name: African Corn Lily, Wand Flower
• Botanical name: Ixia
• Type: Cormous perennial bulb
• USDA Zones: 8–10 (zone 7 with mulch)
• Height: 18–26 inches
• Bloom color: Yellow
• Bloom season: Late spring to early summer
• Light: Full sun to very light shade
• Soil: Well-drained; sandy mix preferred in containers
• Bulb size: 5+ cm
• Use: Outdoor beds, containers, cut flowers