Bulbs

Ixia
Ixia
African com lily

- Height 1-11/2 ft (30-45 cm)
- Planting distance 4 in (10 cm)
- Flowers spring to midsummer
- Full sun
- Well-drained soil
- Corms available fall
- Hardy zones 7-9

The species in this South African genus grow outdoors only in the mild parts of North American. Hybrids can be planted in midfall in warmer areas and in spring in the cooler part of their range for flowering from spring to midsummer. Their starry flowers gather in dense clusters on wiry stems, 1-11/2 ft (30-45 cm) high. Blooms come in orange, yellow, pink, red, purple, and white - and are usually sold mixed. The flowers open only in bright sunlight, so a sunny site is best, though where the weather is truly hot the plants like light shade. Water well during the growing season, but stop as the corms become dormant.

Bulbs