Ixora Is Always Producing New Flowers And Looks Delightful In Any Flower Garden

Ixora flower is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family. It consists of tropical evergreen trees and shrubs and holds around 500 species.Though native to the tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world, its centre of diversity is in Tropical Asia. Ixora also grows commonly in subtropical climates in the United States, such as Florida. It is commonly known as West Indian Jasmine. Other common names include: rangan, kheme, ponna, chann tanea, techi, pan, santan, jarum-jarum, Jungle flame, Jungle geranium, and many more. The plants possess leathery leaves, ranging from 3 to 6 inches in length, and produce large clusters of tiny flowers in the summer. Members of Ixora prefer acidic soil, and are suitable choices for bonsai. It is also a popular choice for hedges in parts of South East Asia, like in Thailand. In tropical climates they flower year round.

The Ixora comes from a genus of over 400 species but only a few are commonly cultivated. The plant is a dense multi-branched shrub that average 4-6 feet at full height and may be wider than it is tall. It is an evergreen plant with a rounded form. Its glossy, oblong leaves are carried in opposite pairs or whorled around long stems. The flowers come in yellow, pink, red, and orange and form 2-5 inch diameter clusters at the end of the stems. The dwarf varieties are very popular and usually stay under 3 feet in height.

For the best results, plant the Ixora where it will receive direct sunlight for most of the day. The more sun the better as the Ixora will be denser, more compact and produce more flowers. The plants like a well-drained, moist, acidic soil that is high in organic materials. To prepare the soil add some organic compost and peat moss and mix thoroughly. The Ixora is intolerant of alkaline soils that will cause the leaves to become chlorotic or a sickly yellow color. Use mulch to keep the soil moist and keep away from concrete and stucco runoff areas. The key to the Ixora is sun and acidic soil so make sure you find the right spot.

Maintaining the Ixora is quite simple. They drink lots in the summer and need water regularly but only need water sparingly in the winter. The plants are hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 but if temperatures drop below 40 -degrees F, leaves and stems will be damaged. Light freezes may kill the plant to the ground but it should sprout back to life in the spring. When the forecast calls for cold temperatures cover the plants to reduce the damage. The soil around the plant should be kept moist, so mulch thoroughly. Fertilize the plant monthly in the summer with a high nitrogen fertilizer to aid in the formation of new flower buds. Prune the plant at will as the tight, compact shrub is heavily branched and tolerates hard pruning. This is why the Ixora is such a popular choice for formal hedges.

Flowers of Ixora of the Rubiaceae family considered to be a shrub in undergrowth from tropical rain forest and noted for the bright bouquets of color.If you examine the Chinese Ixora flower ball it will reveal that it is actually a cluster of many small blossoms, quite beautiful.On each tube are four petals that turn outward. In the middle is a caterpillar like stamen with anthers quite pretty.

The wild Chinese Ixora is getting very rare and it is now a protected species because of it lack of reproduction in its natural tropical habitat. From what I have learned no matter what color all species are considered to be Chinese ixora.This plant grows wild only in the tropics where it blooms all year long.Large, clusters of tiny, white, yellow, orange, rose, colored flowers are produced. The flowers last for sometime when picked and put into a vase.

This shrub will usually grow only 5 to 10 feet tall and is commonly used a hedge or ornamental garden plant. As you can tell, growing Ixora is not complicated at all. Finding a nice sunny spot will probably be the most difficult task. Once it gets going, the Ixora is a wonderful plant to follow as it is always producing new flowers and looks delightful in any flower garden.