Here's a complete description of the Ixora flower plant, a popular and vibrant tropical ornamental shrub:

🌺 Ixora Flower Plant Description

Ixora is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family, known for its clusters of bright, small, tubular flowers and glossy evergreen foliage. It is commonly used in tropical and subtropical gardens for hedges, borders, and decorative landscaping.

🔍 Botanical Overview
Feature Description
Common Name Ixora, Jungle Geranium, Flame of the Woods
Scientific Name Ixora coccinea (most common species)
Family Rubiaceae (same family as coffee)
Origin Native to Southern India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia
Type Evergreen shrub or small tree
🌿 Plant Characteristics
Feature Description
Height 1–2 meters (3–6.5 feet), can be pruned smaller
Growth Habit Dense, compact, bushy
Leaves Leathery, glossy, dark green, elliptical leaves (5–10 cm long)
Flowers Small, tubular flowers in dense, round clusters (called inflorescences), 5–13 cm across
Colors Red (most common), pink, yellow, orange, white, coral
Flowering Blooms year-round in warm climates, more profusely in summer
🌸 Flower Characteristics

Shape: Star-shaped, 4-petaled flowers

Fragrance: Mild to none (varies slightly)

Pollinators: Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds

Longevity: Individual flowers last several days; clusters last longer

🌞 Growing Requirements
Requirement Ideal Conditions
Climate Tropical and subtropical
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade (full sun = best flowering)
Soil Well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5)
Watering Regular, but allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings
Humidity Prefers high humidity
Fertilizer Balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season
🛠️ Care Tips

Pruning: Light pruning helps maintain shape and encourages bushy growth

Pests/Diseases: Watch for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and fungal leaf spots

Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and reduce weeds

Iron Deficiency: Yellowing leaves may indicate lack of iron; use chelated iron or acidic fertilizer

✅ Popular Varieties of Ixora
Variety Name Flower Color Notes
Ixora coccinea Red, pink, orange Most common variety
Ixora chinensis Larger leaves, various colors Good for larger landscapes
Ixora ‘Nora Grant’ Pink Compact, dwarf cultivar
Ixora ‘Maui Red’ Bright red Excellent for mass planting
Ixora dwarf varieties Red, yellow, white Great for pots and small borders
🌱 Uses

Ornamental hedges and borders

Container gardening

Butterfly or pollinator gardens

Sacred or ceremonial use in some cultures