Duperrea pavettifolia, Ixora pavettifolia, Mussaenda pavettifolia

Ixora chinensis

Ixora chinensis is a salt-tolerant plant that is popular for its pink and white blossoms and its ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It can be grown in containers in cold regions and is suitable for growing in ground in USDA Zones 9-11. This small shrub is easy to care for and makes an excellent flowering hedge, accent, or addition to mixed perennial beds. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained, acidic soils with high humidity. In the tropics, it should be placed in a part-shaded position, while in cooler climates it may need to be grown in a greenhouse. Prune annually to maintain the shape of the bush or encourage flowering, and remove withered flowers and dried leaves as needed.

It has large, full flowers with rounded petals, which distinguish it from Ixora coccinea , which has pointed petals. The Maui Sunset Ixora is a hybrid of Ixora chinensis that has stunning sunset-peach flowers and olive toned green foliage. It grows to be about 2-3 feet tall and has bronze colored new growth. The flowers appear almost year-round and range in color from butter yellow to peach. The fruit is round and dark purple to black. This plant is extremely undemanding and brings joy with its beautiful flowers all year long.

Ixora coccinea

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Ixora coccinea, also known as 'Jungle Flame', is a tropical shrub native to India and Sri Lanka. It is salt-wind tolerant, making it perfect for seaside gardens and is also highly drought-tolerant. In order to achieve optimal growth, it should be planted in full sun to semi-shade. In areas with cold winters, it is better grown as a pot plant and brought inside during cold months.

Ixora coccinea requires regular watering, as well as moist, rich, and well-drained soil and regular fertilization in order to stay healthy and produce vibrant flowers. If the plant becomes too large or untidy, it can be pruned to keep its shape, however, over-pruning should be avoided as it will reduce flowering. Different varieties featuring brilliant pink, vinous, yellow, and orange flowers can be planted to attract wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds.

This plant is unfortunately prone to common diseases such as root rot and leaf spots. If any discoloration is noticed, the affected parts should be removed and the plant treated with an appropriate fungicide. Furthermore, pests such as nematodes, scale insects, or iron deficiencies can all cause damage to the plant and should be regularly checked for.

In USDA hardiness zones 9-11, Ixora coccinea is a fast-growing shrub, producing abundant clusters of vivid blooms all year round. With proper care, it will be a low-maintenance and stunning addition to any garden.

Ixora congesta, Ixora griffithiana

A new hybrid culivar with beautiful double-tripple flowers 1/2 across that come in large clusters. Flowers change color from yellow to red, with yellow, orange and red flowers in the same cluster. Medium size shrub, acid soil is preferrable. Can be grown in container with full sun provided for profuse blooming. Cold sensitive.

Ixora ebracteata

Rare species from Thailand. Medium size shrub, it has white slightly fragrant flowers with long stamens, similar to Ixora finlaysoniana. Filtered light during hot season and regular watering.

Ixora finlaysoniana, Ixora fragrans

Clusters of pure white fragrants flowers, as its name suggests. Ixora species have interesting pollen presentation - the pollen is released from the anthers onto the style, but away from the stigmatic surfaces, before the flowers open.

Ixora hybrid Crimson Star

Crimson Star (Ixora hybrid) is an evergreen, small shrub native to Thailand. It grows 2-5 ft tall and wide, and is often used as bonsai. It needs full sun and regular water. It produces a profusion of red, crimson and vinous flowers throughout the year, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. It is also salt-tolerant and can withstand coastal areas and seaside.

This plant is adapted to warmer climates and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. When grown in cold regions cold temperatures can cause chlorosis, so a containerized plant should be brought indoors in winter. Fluctuating temperatures outside can also lead to flower drop. To prevent this, it is best to put the plant in a bright porch or enclosed patio.

With ample watering, fertilizer and good drainage, vegetation of Crimson Star will produce a large number of vibrant flowers. Regular fertilizer applications every 6 to 8 weeks can also help keep the colors of the flowers at its maximum. Pruning should be done immediately after blooming is over, to keep the shape of the shrub compact.

Ixora hybrid Hindu Rope

New hybrid with twisted waxy leaves, small to medium shrub. Slow growing, dwarf habit, can be used for bonsai.

Ixora hybrid Sea Green

Small to medium size shrub with unusual aqua-color flowers which are very fragrant and attract many insects and butterflies. Unlike other ixoras with waxy leaves, this one has thin delicate leaves that are easy to burn with hot sun, so the plant prefers filtered light during hot season.

Ixora lobbii, Ixora taiwanensis

Ixora lobbii, or its more commonly known name of Glossy Pink Ixora, is a beautiful small shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Reaching a maximum height of 2-5 feet (0.6 - 1.5 m) tall with a spread of about 4 feet (1.2 m), I. lobbii has an upright branching habit.

The soft, evergreen foliage is an eye catching glossy green and make the ideal backdrop for its spectacular stem end flowering. This plant features masses of small, fragrant, tubular flowers that are primarily pink, but may vary from white to red or crimson to vinous. It can even sport more than one color at a time.

The I. lobbii shrub is a highly sought after ornamental deciduous shrub. This drought tolerant plant can be grown in full sun or semi-shade positions and only requires regular water and moderate water when establishing.

Ixora lobbii has more than one use. It is a valuable ethnomedical plant in traditional South Asian medicine. It's roots can be used to reduce swelling while it leaves can be used to make a remedy for eye diseases and an expectorant. It is also quite popular as a seaside plant, due to its salt tolerance.

Grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, taking care of I. lobbii is an easy task. This hardy shrub doesn't need much care, but keep in mind that, as with all plants, pot grown specimens will usually need to be monitored and aided in cold regions, as too cold conditions may damage the roots. A good practice to keep in mind when planting and caring for this shrub is to water it deeply and allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.

To wrap up, Ixora Lobbyii, also known as the Glossy Pink Ixora, is a beautiful and easy to care for shrub that is an ornamental favorite and valuable ethnomedical plant. This small evergreen shrub with intensely colored flowers is generally easy to grow and will add verdant life and color to any outdoor space.