Flowering Shrub
Ixora, Genus, chinensis, Species,
- Genus & species
Chinese ixora
Overview
Ixora chinensis is a dense, evergreen shrub that grows 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) tall and 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m) wide, with many upright, branching stems. Leaves are opposite, oblong to elliptic, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long and 0.8–1.6 inches (2–4 cm) wide, glossy dark green, and leathery. Flowers are tubular with four spreading lobes, 0.5–0.75 inch (1.3–1.9 cm) across, in rounded clusters 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) wide, in red, orange-red, pink, or yellow depending on the selection. Fruits are rounded, fleshy drupes 0.25 inch (6 mm) across that ripen from green to red to black. Plants flower repeatedly in warm weather, and growth stops below 50°F (10°C). Foliage is damaged at 32°F (0°C) and below, and plants are hardy only in USDA zones 10–11. Alkaline soil above pH 7.0 produces yellowing between leaf veins from iron and manganese deficiency. Scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids feed on new growth.
Native Range
Ixora chinensis is native to southern China and Southeast Asia including Vietnam, Taiwan, and Malaysia, where it grows in thickets and forest edges at low elevations. It is cultivated widely in the tropics and subtropics.Suggested Uses
Ixora chinensis is used as a low hedge, foundation planting, and border shrub in tropical and subtropical gardens, with spacing of 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m) between hedge plants. It is also grown in containers of 5 gallons (19 L) or larger.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Bloom Information
Ixora chinensis blooms repeatedly through the warm months, typically March to November, and year-round in frost-free climates. Flower clusters last 2–3 weeks, and new clusters form on new shoots after each flush. Flowers are visited by butterflies and bees.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Red, orange-red, pink, or yellowFoliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Ixora chinensis grows in full sun to part sun, with 5–8 hours of direct light, in moist, acidic, well-drained soil of pH 5.0–6.5. Plants need 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water weekly, and wilt quickly when soil dries. Hardiness is USDA zones 10–11, with leaf damage at 32°F (0°C) and plant death below about 25°F (−4°C). Alkaline soil causes interveinal chlorosis, and acidifying fertilizers with iron and manganese correct it. A 2–3 inch (5–8 cm) mulch layer limits root drying. Plants in containers need winter shelter indoors in zones colder than 10.Pruning
Pruning takes place in early spring, shortening stems by one-third to maintain shape and increase branching. Flowers form at shoot tips on new growth, so light shearing after each flower flush encourages the next. Hard cutting to 12 inches (30 cm) is followed by regrowth within one season.Pruning Schedule
Prune: March
early spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
