Ixia paniculata

Ixia from the Iridaceae family, gets its name from the Greek Ixos, mistletoe (viscum), birdlime; referring to the viscous sap. The genus is often referred to as the "Corn Lily" although it is not a lily. The Ixia is closely related to the Freesia. It is a family of over thirty species

Paniculata means: growing in a panicle and it is a tall, variable species. It has a long tube, which is the distinctive characteristic of this species.

In its home habitat in South Africa, it grows on damp sandy soils of the flats, mountain slopes and plateaux. The inflorescence is usually branched and has five to eighteen flowers, tall and slender up to a metre. The flowers have a long perianth tube which are pale to deep cream, often pale yellow. The outer lobes are often reddish or pink on the reverse. They have two to three leaves, which are narrow and shorter than the inflorescence. They will start flowering from September on and will flower through to December. Originally in South Africa, they come from the Clan William area south to the Peninsular and to Caledon.

They are not good cut flowers and will often stay closed on dull days and they do not have a fragrance.

Some of the species are hardy in the garden although I grow my I. Paniculata in pots, ensuring that they get maximum sunlight. They grow well in most potting mixes. I add sand to my mix and a little blood and bone. They do not need a lot of fertiliser but a liquid feed every so often doesn't hurt them. They prefer good drainage and require dry storage in the dormant period.

Truly one of my favourite Ixias.

Good growing.

Bill Richardson. Ixia King.

Don't forget to check out my Ixia page with information and pictures for your enjoyment. You will find the link to it on my Welcome Page.

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