About
A low-growing, hardy bulbous perennial to around 40cm in height, with long, thin, grass-like blue-green foliage. Suits smaller gardens well, bringing a splash of colour to rock gardens and small borders and may be left undisturbed to naturalise in wildflower meadows. Funnel-shaped bright blue flowers with darker stripes appear on long, slender stems from May to July.
About the genus
Ixiolirion are bulbous perennials with narrowly lance-shaped leaves and racemes or umbels of deep blue, funnel-shaped flowers in spring and early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toE Turkey to Kashmir
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Water regularly during the growing season and feed with a high-potash fertiliser when flowering. Mulch in winter and leave undisturbed to encourage naturalisation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in late autumn to early winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and lily beetle
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to lily diseases