5 BULBS - Ixia - Mixed Colours - Large Bulbs - Plant Now - Indigenous Bulbs - NEW

Today's modern Ixia Hybrids originate from 50 species which occur naturally in the winter rainfall areas of South Africa. Their common names include Wand flower and Corn Lily. The bulb type is a small round corm. They are winter growing and summer dormant, with flowering occurring during late winter to spring. The star shaped flowers are borne on 60cm tall flower spikes and make excellent cut flowers. There are a large variety of colours including purple, mauve, blue, red, orange, pink, yellow, white and cream. They usually have darker contrasting centres. These are a mixed variety of colours of larger (older) corms.

Corms should be planted in autumn. Choose a spot in full sun to dappled shade. Loosen the soil to a depth of 20cm. Plant the corms at a depth of 5 cm and space them 7cm apart. If planted in pots, they can be spaced closer together and should also be protected from the hot afternoon sun as soil can dry out quicker in pots. Water regularly so the soil is kept moist, not saturated, at root level. A mulch will help keep the soil moist. Feeding with bulb food during the growing season will help to ensure flowering during this season and the next. After flowering, bulbs can be left in the soil until next season or they can be lifted and replanted next season. If left in the soil, make sure the soil is well drained, and that bulbs do not sit in water as this can cause them to rot. Remember to feed with bulb food while they are still growing. If you want to lift them, do so in early to midsummer when plants start to go dormant. Cut off all foliage just above the bulb, wash them and leave to dry for a few days in a dry, shady spot. Dust them with fungicide and insecticide and store them at room temperature until they are ready to be planted next autumn.