Overview
Ixia latifolia is a upright, clump-forming bulbs in the genus Ixia, part of the Iridaceae family, with narrow, linear foliage. Ixia latifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders and containers.
About
Ixia latifolia, known as the broad-leaved corn lily, is a perennial cultivar of the Ixia genus, which is part of the Iridaceae family. This upright, clump-forming plant grows from corms and features narrow, linear leaves. It produces vibrant, star-shaped flowers in spring atop slender stems. Best suited to full sun in a south-facing, sheltered position, it thrives in well-drained, neutral loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is ideal for borders and containers and can be propagated by corm division or seed.
About the genus
Ixia is a genus of cormous plants native to South Africa from the family Iridaceae. Some of them are known as the corn lily. Some distinctive traits include sword-like leaves and long wiry stems with star-shaped flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ixia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ixia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ixia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Ixia latifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Upright, clump-forming
- Foliage
- Narrow, linear
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ixia latifolia
- Propagation
- Corm division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ixia latifolia?
Ixia latifolia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ixia latifolia need?
Ixia latifolia grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Ixia latifolia hardy in the UK?
Ixia latifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Ixia latifolia?
Corm division, seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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