Leucocoryne ixioides
Glory of the sun
- Height × spread
- 0.35m × 0.15m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A bulbous plant that comes from Chile. This delights with its clusters of blue, white-centred flowers that are carried in good-sized clusters during April and May. The flowers form broad-petalled stars with yellow stamens at the centre. The leaves are grassy and have often died down before the flowers appear. These are choice plants that are generally grown in alpine houses in frost-free conditions. They are suitable for cool conservatories. In the very warmest parts of the country they are good in rock gardens. These plants are dormant in summer and should receive very little water at this time. If grown in the garden they will need protection, or can be lifted and brought into a cool position till autumn when the period of dormancy ends.
- Flower colour
- Blue, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.35m
- Spread
- 0.15m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 5C minimum temperature
- Use for
- Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn-Spring · Indoors
Water a little during dormancy
Give a very little water during the period of summer dormancy.
Autumn-Spring · Indoors
Water moderately in autumn to spring
Resume watering in autumn and then water regularly. Reduce watering after flowers fade and the plant enters period of summer dormancy.
Autumn-Spring · Indoors
Balanced feed monthly while in growth
Give the plant a balanced houseplant feed monthly while in growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Autumn-Spring · Outdoors
Water a little during dormancy
Give a very little water during the period of summer dormancy.
Autumn-Spring · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser 2-3 times from autumn
Give a general purpose feed two or three times during the growing season, which commences in autumn. Preferably do not feed within a month of the end of the growing season, so the plant isn't encouraged to make fresh young growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Autumn - early · Planting
Pot/repot autumn bulbs
For best results in pots, plant in bulb compost. To refresh the compost, re-pot every other year in autumn when the plant, which has been dormant, is just coming into growth. Use a pot with drainage holes in the bottom.
Applies to all autumn planted bulbs
Summer
Summer · Planting
Lift as it enters dormancy
The plant needs very little water during summer dormancy. Either protect it from water in the garden, or lift the plant and keep under cover, giving a little water occasionally until autumn when it can be returned to the garden if grown in a mild area.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Loam based compost + sand for repotting
Use a standard loam based compost that is not modified to make it 'moisture retentive'.
Alternatively prepare your own mixture using a loam based compost (John Innes no. 2 or 3) with a handful or two of horticultural sand to make the soil more free-draining.
Indoor temperature · Planting
5C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 5 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a sunny spot, close to window
Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).