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(Ixia stricta)
African Corn Lily (Ixia stricta)
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Motohiro Sunouchi
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Motohiro Sunouchi
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Motohiro Sunouchi | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Motohiro Sunouchi | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ixia stricta, commonly known as African Corn Lily or Wandflower, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the Cape Floristic Region in South Africa, particularly thriving on sandy slopes and in fynbos habitats. It typically grows to a height of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) and a slender width of about 0.3 feet (0.09 meters). The plant features stiff, upright stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The star-shaped flowers are borne in dense spikes and exhibit a striking combination of pink and yellow hues, blooming in the late spring to summer months. The flowers are particularly showy, making them a highlight in the garden when in bloom.
The African Corn Lily is valued for its vibrant, bicolored flowers that add a splash of color to borders and wildflower gardens. It is also suitable for cut flower arrangements. In cultivation, it prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil, tolerating both low and medium water conditions. While generally easy to maintain, it may require protection from strong winds due to its tall and slender form. It is not commonly associated with serious diseases or pests, but it is sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot. Ixia stricta is not known for being invasive but can naturalize in suitable climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
The African Corn Lily is valued for its vibrant, bicolored flowers that add a splash of color to borders and wildflower gardens. It is also suitable for cut flower arrangements. In cultivation, it prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil, tolerating both low and medium water conditions. While generally easy to maintain, it may require protection from strong winds due to its tall and slender form. It is not commonly associated with serious diseases or pests, but it is sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot. Ixia stricta is not known for being invasive but can naturalize in suitable climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 0.225-0.3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Cape Floristic Region in South Africa, particularly thriving on sandy slopes and in fynbos habitats
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Ixia stricta, Agretta stricta, Agretta retusa, Ixia polystachya var. intermedia, Ixia retusa, Tritonia scillaris var. stricta, Tritonixia stricta,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ixia stricta (Eckl. ex Klatt) G.J.Lewis