How to Grow Ixora
Ixora coccinea
Ixora thrives in acidic, well-drained soil, full sun, and high humidity. It blooms almost year-round in warm climates, producing vivid clusters of red, orange, or pink flowers. Feed monthly with an acid fertiliser and water regularly. Avoid alkaline soil or water which causes yellowing. Prune lightly after each bloom flush. In cool climates, grow in a container and bring indoors for winter.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Monthly during spring and summer with an acid-forming fertiliser. Avoid alkaline feeds which cause leaf yellowing.
Watch For
- Aphids
- Scale insects
- Spider mites
- Sooty mould
- Chlorosis from alkaline soil
Companions
Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, Gardenia, Pentas
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun; at least 6 hours direct sun
Requires full sun for best flowering. Tolerates light shade but flowering will be reduced. Avoid deep shade which causes leggy growth.
Watering
Regular; keep moist but well-drained
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist. Do not let the soil dry out completely. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing
Monthly acid fertiliser during growing season
Feed monthly with an acid-forming fertiliser from spring through summer. Avoid lime or alkaline products which cause iron chlorosis and leaf yellowing.
Pruning
Light trimming after each flower flush
Remove spent flower heads after each bloom to encourage the next flush. Light shaping is fine; avoid hard pruning which removes flowering wood.
Spacing
1–1.5 m for informal; 60 cm for hedge
Space 1–1.5 m apart for massed planting. Plant 60 cm apart for a dense formal hedge requiring regular clipping.
