Flame of the woods (Ixora coccinea)
Ixora coccinea, Flame of the woods, offers bright red summer flowers on a low-maintenance, tropical broadleaf evergreen shrub.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Flame of the woods, scientifically known as Ixora coccinea, is a highly valued broadleaf evergreen celebrated for its dense clusters of brilliant flowers. This tropical shrub provides continuous color, making it a staple in warm-climate landscaping. Its reliable performance and relatively low demands contribute to its widespread popularity in suitable regions.
Native to Tropical Asia, Ixora coccinea thrives outdoors where freezes are rare. It develops woody stems draped in glossy, dark green foliage, which serves as a striking contrast to its vibrant blooms. Gardeners appreciate this plant for its ability to deliver a powerful visual impact with minimal sustained effort.
As a versatile specimen, Flame of the woods excels as a medium-sized hedge or screen. Its year-round presence and potential for sporadic blooming outside the main summer flush ensure consistent tropical flair in the landscape.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Rubiaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Native Range: Tropical Asia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-6 ft
- Spread: 3-5 ft
- Bloom Time: Flowers freely
- Bloom Description: Bright red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal establishment, plant Ixora coccinea in the spring or early summer after the danger of frost has passed. This species performs best in acidic, organically rich, and well-drained loams. While it demands full sun for the most prolific flowering, it tolerates very light shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Maintain consistent moisture levels; the medium water needs suggest regular irrigation, particularly during dry spells and the peak growing season. Ensure soil drainage is excellent, as standing water can quickly lead to root issues. Supplemental feeding with acid-forming fertilizers can help maintain the deep green color of the foliage.
Gardeners in Zones 9-11 should be aware that the Flame of the woods dislikes temperatures dipping below 50 degrees F. If a light freeze is predicted, protect the shrub or prepare for foliage dieback, though established plants often revive from the roots come spring. During winter months, remember to reduce overall watering frequency.
Landscape Uses
Where winter hardiness permits (Zones 9-11), Ixora coccinea is commonly employed as an excellent choice for formal or informal hedging due to its dense growth habit. Its vibrant red flowers make it an ideal candidate for foundation plantings where year-round color is desired near structures. The shrub can also function effectively as a background plant or screen, adding tropical depth to borders.
For non-tropical areas, this plant transitions seamlessly into containers. These containers allow gardeners to bring the brilliant color of the jungle geranium indoors during winter, placing them in bright, sunny locations until they can be moved back outside. This adaptability, along with its use in bonsai, increases its utility across various gardening scales.
When designing mixed borders, use lighter-colored perennials or annuals near the Ixora coccinea to highlight its intense red blooms. The structure of this evergreen shrub provides excellent visual anchors throughout all seasons.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ixora coccinea, commonly called flame of the woods or jungle geranium, is a rounded evergreen shrub that typically grows to 4-6’ tall. It is widely grown in tropical areas for its woody stems clad with glossy, dark green leaves. Tubular, bright red flowers mass in large cymes, with the primary bloom occurring in summer, though sporadic flowering happens year-round.
Tolerances
- No serious insect or disease problems.
Potential Problems
While generally robust, watch for specific cultural issues, particularly if soil pH is incorrect. Chlorosis, or yellowing of the leaves, often develops when the plant is situated in alkaline soils, as it prefers acidic conditions. In humid conditions, sooty mold might appear on the foliage. Monitor for common tropical pests such as aphids, scale insects, thrips, and mealybugs, treating immediately upon detection to maintain the health of your Ixora coccinea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Flame of the woods suitable for?
Ixora coccinea is winter hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11.
How large does Ixora coccinea grow?
This evergreen shrub typically reaches a mature height between 4 and 6 feet, with a spread of 3 to 5 feet.
When does Flame of the woods bloom?
This plant flowers freely, usually showcasing its primary burst of bright red color during the summer months, with sporadic flowering possible throughout the year.
What sun exposure does Ixora coccinea need?
For the best flowering performance, full sun exposure is recommended, though it can manage light shade during the hottest part of the day.
Conclusion
The Flame of the woods, or Ixora coccinea, is a stunning, low-maintenance choice for adding tropical vibrancy where conditions allow. Its reliable, bright red summer display against dark green foliage ensures it remains a popular flowering shrub in warm climates. Always check your local USDA zone compatibility before planting this beautiful shrub outdoors.
Companion Planting
Companion planting for Ixora coccinea should focus on species that share similar requirements for acidic, moist soil and warm conditions. Consider pairing the bright red blooms with foliage plants known for their chartreuse or variegated leaves to create dynamic contrast. Good partners include various types of ferns, which enjoy tropical environments and appreciate similar filtered light if placed nearby a taller specimen.
For areas receiving ample sun, look for flowering annuals that thrive in heat, such as certain varieties of colorful Caladiums or low-growing Ti plants. These combinations enhance the lush, jungle-like aesthetic that the Flame of the woods naturally evokes in a landscape bed.
Design Ideas
Ixora coccinea is perfectly sized for use as an accent plant when you need a splash of intense color against a neutral wall or fence. Because it roots easily and responds well to pruning, it is frequently utilized in formal bedding designs where tight, uniform shapes are required. For a softer look, allow the shrub to maintain a more natural, rounded form when massed in sweeps along property lines to create an impenetrable green screen.
When grown in containers, group your pots of Flame of the woods with contrasting textures, such as spiky bromeliads or broad-leafed philodendrons. This layering creates depth and reinforces the tropical theme, allowing you to easily move plants to protected areas during the off-season if necessary.
