Ixia (Corn Lilies)

Ixia’s starry, open blooms (May–June) attract a range of pollinators, including hoverflies (Syrphidae), honeybees (Apis mellifera), and smaller solitary bees (Lasioglossum spp.), drawn to their accessible nectar and pollen. Though native to South Africa, their slender stems and grass-like foliage blend seamlessly into meadow plantings, offering perches for damselflies and shelter for ground beetles. Plant in sunny, well-drained spots alongside UK-native Leucanthemum vulgare (oxeye daisy) to bridge late spring’s pollinator gap. Their drought tolerance makes them ideal for climate-resilient gardens, providing resources when many native bulbs have faded.