Description

Ixia Mabel is a classic summer sparkle bulb as its neat, upright growth with airy stems topped by crisp, star-shaped flowers that open wide in sunshine. It’s particularly good where you want colour without heaviness: along the front of a border, threaded through gravel gardens, or planted in pots where the flowers can lift above foliage and companion planting. The overall effect is light and lively, and it photographs brilliantly in bright weather.

In Irish conditions, Ixia performs best in a warm, sheltered position with free-draining soil. Treat it like a sun-lover: the better the drainage and the more light you give it, the stronger the display and the cleaner the stems for cutting. In containers, use a gritty, well-drained compost and avoid waterlogging—this is the main cause of poor performance.

For best impact, plant in groups rather than single bulbs. Drift it in small blocks through a bed, or cluster it in pots for a concentrated display. Ixia Mabel also works well in a succession approach: plant a couple of batches a week or two apart to extend the flowering window. Once flowering finishes, allow foliage to die back naturally so the bulb can recharge.