Description

Ixia Mabel is a striking South African bulb with deep magenta-red flowers centred by an almost black eye, producing dramatic star-shaped blooms in late spring to early summer. Held on wiry stems above slender foliage, its perfect for wildflower-inspired planting, gravel gardens, prairie borders, Mediterranean schemes and cut-flower picking. Flowers open on sunny days, closing slightly at night — a natural rhythm that adds seasonal movement to planting. Highly attractive to bees, hoverflies and early summer pollinators, providing valuable nectar in the pre-summer gap. Plant in full sun, free-draining soil (excellent in sandy or gritty beds) and naturalise in meadows or dry borders over time. Works well mass-planted for strong impact, pairing beautifully with Alliums, Nepeta, Geum, Salvia, Iris and late tulips. Ixia makes a stunning cut flower, lasting well when harvested early.