Flame of the Woods Ixora

Flame of the Woods Ixora (Ixora coccinea 'Flame of the Woods') is a tropical shrub that grows 1 to 2m tall and wide, with glossy, vivid green oblong leaves. Clusters of small tubular, deep orange-red flowers cover it in spring and summer, with a range of shades in every head. It is also known as jungle geranium, and it is a favourite landscaping plant.

Why you'll love it

• Deep orange-red flowers. Starry blooms with four long, tapering petals open in a range of shades, so each cluster glows.
• A hedge to 1m, or taller. Clipped, it makes a colourful evergreen hedge about 1m high. Left alone, it grows up to 2m.
• Glossy foliage. Oblong leaves in a vivid green give the shrub a lush, tropical look all year.
• Popular for a reason. It is a hardworking landscape plant for subtropical and tropical gardens, and it takes clipping well.

Where it works best

Hedges. Plant 70cm apart in a single row and clip after flowering to keep a dense hedge near 1m high.

Screens. Left to grow, space plants 1m apart for a flowering screen up to 2m in height.

Mass planting and containers. In large beds, groups of five or more make a mass of fiery colour. A large pot suits it as a patio plant, as long as it gets plenty of light.

Growing Flame of the Woods Ixora in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, in warm gardens. It is a subtropical to tropical plant, so tropical and subtropical regions suit it best, and it needs protection from frost. In cooler places, grow it in a pot that can be sheltered.

Soil. Well drained soil, ideally slightly acid. Alkaline soil causes the leaves to yellow, so check the pH and use mulch or an acidic mix.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Water frequently during dry periods. If leaves yellow after dry conditions, feed with a liquid seaweed fertiliser for lush green foliage.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote a dense habit and prolific blooms in the next flowering season.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Flame of the Woods Ixora as tube stock: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly in warm soil. Tubes are the economical choice for a long hedge or a large mass planting.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Growing ixora in Australia: varieties and care
• Tropical plants
• Hedging and screening plants
• Plants for subtropical climates

Common questions

Why is it called jungle geranium?

It is a common name for Ixora coccinea, referring to the vivid colour of its flower clusters. It is not related to geraniums.

How do I keep it to a 1m hedge?

Clip lightly after flowering, and again if needed during summer, so that new growth stays dense.

Will it flower in shade?

A little, but flowering is best in full sun to light shade. Deep shade gives leafy growth with few flowers.