IXIA. South Africa. Most gardeners are at least passingly familiar with this group by way of the unnamed, star flowered hybrids available on the fall bulb market. However, several species virtually unknown here are at least as deserving of our attention. All grow from corms, which multiply freely, and have narrow, grass-like leaves. Slender, sometimes branched flower stems bear many star shaped blossoms, in a variety of appealing colors, in spring. They perform particularly well in containers. Planted out, they require well drained soil and summer drought. They bloom best in full sun, though light shade is acceptable. The following are hardy to 20^oF or less.

monadelpha. A dainty species, upright in habit, with slender, grassy leaves. The flowers are a little over an inch broad in this strain, varying in color from white to lavender, with contrasting green centers.

paniculata. A more robust species, growing, in this selection, 1-2’ tall and producing multiple, branched flower stems from each corm. The flowers resemble those of a phlox, the cream-colored segments spread flat at the ends of narrow 2-3" tubes. The show lasts for several weeks each spring.

viridiflora. This is certainly one of the most interesting bulbs I have grown. It has extremely narrow leaves and wand-like 1-2’ flower stems. The individual blossoms are over 1" across, with turquoise colored segments and black centers. It is unfortunately one of the more difficult species to grow, the corms rotting easily in heavy or summer-watered soil.