Ixia Hogarth

Elegant, airy and wonderfully refined, Ixia 'Hogarth' produces graceful sprays of pure white, star-shaped flowers, each centred with a striking deep plum to black eye. Floating on slender wiry stems above narrow, grass-like foliage, the blooms seem to dance in the slightest breeze, adding movement and sophistication to the early summer garden.

Native to the sun-drenched grasslands of South Africa, Ixias are often known as African Corn Lilies and are prized for their vibrant colours, graceful habit and exceptional cut-flower qualities. 'Hogarth' is one of the most elegant white varieties, with pristine petals surrounding a dramatic dark centre that creates a beautiful contrast and draws the eye from across the garden.

Flowering over several weeks, the delicate blooms open fully in bright sunshine and close again in dull weather, making each sunny day a special event. They are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects and combine beautifully with alliums, geums, ornamental grasses and other summer-flowering bulbs.

Ideal for borders, gravel gardens, containers and cutting gardens, Ixia 'Hogarth' thrives in warm, sunny positions with free-draining soil and rewards gardeners with a dazzling display of elegant flowers.

A refined and distinctive South African bulb that brings lightness, beauty and movement to the summer border.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Ixia corms in spring after the risk of hard frost has passed, usually from March to May. In milder parts of the UK with free-draining soil, they may also be planted in autumn.

Where to Plant:
Choose a warm, sunny, sheltered position with light, fertile, free-draining soil. Ixia thrives in borders, gravel gardens, raised beds and containers where drainage is excellent.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant corms approximately 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) deep.
• Spacing: Space corms about 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) apart.
• Soil Prep: Incorporate compost into the soil and add grit or sharp sand if drainage is poor.

Watering:
Water well after planting to settle the soil. Keep the soil lightly moist while plants are actively growing, but avoid waterlogging.

Aftercare Tips:

• Remove spent flowers to prolong the display.
• Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
• In colder areas or heavy soils, lift the corms after the foliage has died down and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free place until replanting the following spring.

Top Tip:
Plant in generous drifts where the elegant white flowers with their dramatic dark centres can shimmer in the sunshine. They also make excellent long-lasting cut flowers.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

May – June (depending on season and conditions)

Height:
16–20" (40–50cm) (approx.)

Position:
Full sun

Half Hardy Perennial