Ixora Hybrids

Ixora, Flame of the Woods, Jungle Flame, or Jungle Geranium is a bushy, rounded shrub that has long been a popular hedging plant in the subtropical regions of Florida. Ixoras freely produce loose, corymb-like cymes, 2-5" across of red, orange, pink, or yellow flowers. Available in a number of cultivars, this plant is a member of the Rubiaceae family which includes the Coffee plant and Gardenia.

Plant Facts:

Common Name:   Ixora, Flame of the Woods, Jungle Flame, or Jungle Geranium

Botanical Name:   Ixora coccinea

Family:  Rubiaceae 

Plant Type:  Bushy shrub

Origin: India, Sri Lanka

Zones: 10 - 11

Height:  5', several dwarf cultivars are available

Rate of Growth: Medium

Salt Tolerance: Medium

Soil Requirements:  Rich, well drained, moist, acidic

Water Requirements: Medium drought tolerance

Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, bloom boost fertilizer around bloom time. Greatly appreciates side dressings of compost or manure.

Light Requirements: Full sun

Form:  Evergreen hedge which requires constant pruning to keep its shape.

Leaves:  Glossy, dark green to 6" long

Flowers: Terminal 5 to 6" wide clusters available in red, deep-orange, yellow, pink, scarlet, and various shades of orange. Blooms year-round.

Fruits: 

Pests or diseases:  Nematodes, root rot, leaf spots, scale insects, iron deficiency

Uses:  Flowering hedge, shrub, flowering pot plant

Bad Habits: 

Cost:  $$ -- Very reasonable

Propagation:  Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Sources: The Tropical Look; American Horticultural Society A to Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants