About
A tender, cormous perennial to 40cm tall, with narrowly linear mid-green leaves. In early spring and summer, wiry, branched stems bear bright pink flowers to 6cm across; the flowers are good for cutting.
About the genus
Ixia are cormous perennials with narrowly-linear leaves and colourful, star-shaped flowers carried on wiry stems
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, plant corms 10-15cm deep, 5-8cm apart in autumn. Grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added leaf mould and sharp sand, in full light, with low to moderate humidity. Water sparingly until flower spikes appear, then water freely and apply high potash liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks until foliage begins to die back. Lift corms in autumn and store in dry, frost-free conditions while dormant
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by separating offsets when dormant in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free