Here’s a detailed and clear description of the Ixora plant, including its botanical features, uses, and care requirements:

🌺 Ixora Plant Description
🔬 Scientific Classification

Botanical Name: Ixora coccinea (most common species)

Family: Rubiaceae (Coffee family)

Common Names: Ixora, Jungle Geranium, Flame of the Woods, West Indian Jasmine

Origin: Tropical and subtropical Asia, especially India and Sri Lanka

🌿 General Characteristics
🔸 Type

Evergreen shrub or small tree

Can be grown as a bush, hedge, container plant, or bonsai

🔸 Size

Height: Typically 2–6 feet (0.6–1.8 meters); dwarf varieties around 1–2 feet

Spread: 3–5 feet wide

🔸 Growth Habit

Dense, rounded, and compact foliage

Slow to moderate growth rate

🍃 Leaves

Shape: Oval, elliptical, or oblong

Texture: Leathery, glossy surface

Color: Deep green

Arrangement: Opposite pairs on woody stems

🌸 Flowers

Shape: Tubular with 4 spreading petals

Form: Clusters (called corymbs) of 30–50+ small blooms

Colors: Red (most common), orange, yellow, pink, white

Blooming Season: Year-round in warm climates; more prolific in summer

Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

🍇 Fruits

Small, round black berries containing seeds (not commonly seen)

🌞 Growing Conditions
Factor Ideal Conditions
Light Full sun to partial shade (more sun = more blooms)
Soil Slightly acidic, well-draining, rich in organic matter
Water Regular watering; prefers consistently moist soil
Temperature Warm climate; 60–90°F (15–32°C); frost-sensitive
Humidity High humidity preferred
pH Preference Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5)
✂️ Care & Maintenance

Pruning: Light pruning helps maintain shape and encourage bushier growth

Fertilizing: Use acidic, balanced fertilizer (e.g., for azaleas) every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Pest Issues: May be affected by aphids, mealybugs, spider mites

Chlorosis (yellow leaves): Common if soil is too alkaline

🌿 Common Uses

Ornamental shrub in gardens, borders, or hedges

Potted plant for patios, balconies, and indoor spaces (with bright light)

Popular in tropical landscapes

Traditional medicine in some cultures (roots, flowers, and leaves)

🧪 Quick Facts
Feature Detail
Lifespan Perennial (lives for many years)
Bloom Time Nearly all year in tropical areas
Popular Varieties ‘Maui Red’, ‘Nora Grant’, ‘Super King’
Native Habitat Tropical Asia and India

Let me know if you’d like:

A care guide for growing Ixora in pots

A comparison of Ixora and Hibiscus

Info on Ixora medicinal uses or propagation methods.