Pink Malay Ixora

Pink Malay Ixora (Ixora 'Pink Malay') is a compact evergreen shrub that grows to about 1m tall and wide. In the warmer months it carries large, showy clusters of musk-pink flowers, a watermelon shade, above glossy foliage. It prefers a warm tropical climate and a partly shaded position.

Why you'll love it

• Watermelon-pink clusters. The heads are large and full, in a musk-pink that stands out against dark green leaves.
• Happy in part shade. It flowers well in a partly shaded spot, which is useful in tropical gardens under taller trees.
• Compact and evergreen. Glossy foliage stays fresh all year on a shrub that rarely passes 1m.
• Hedge, border or specimen. It clips into a hedge, sits in a mixed border or stands alone as a feature.
• Cool-climate friendly in pots. Grown in a container, it can be enjoyed in a sun-room or sheltered spot where it would not survive outdoors.

Where it works best

Partly shaded borders. Plant 60cm apart in groups under trees or on the sheltered side of a house, where it carries colour into shade.

Low hedging. At the same spacing, a row clips into a dense, flowering hedge about 1m high.

Specimens and containers. A single plant in a large pot makes a focal point. The shorter Dwarf Pink Ixora planted in front adds a second layer of pink.

Growing Pink Malay Ixora in Australia

Position and climate. A partly shaded position suits it, with bright light but some relief from harsh afternoon sun. It prefers warm tropical climates and is frost tender, so in cooler regions grow it in a container that can be moved into a sun-room or a sheltered spot for winter.

Soil. Well drained soil on the acid side. Heavy or alkaline soil leads to yellow leaves.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Fertilise with a slow release product in spring. If leaves begin to yellow, feed with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote dense growth and good flowering. Protect the plant from frost.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pink Malay Ixora as tube stock, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and as single plants in 300mm pots. Tubes are the economical choice for a hedge. The 140mm pots speed things up, and a 300mm plant is established enough to make a specimen straight away.

The tube is supplied by our grower, so stock comes and goes. If it shows as sold out when you visit, press the notify button on the page and we will email 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
• Plants for partial shade
• Plants for subtropical climates

Common questions

How much sun does Pink Malay need?

A partly shaded position suits it best. Morning sun with afternoon shade gives strong flowering without scorching the leaves.

Can I grow it in a cool climate?

In a container, yes. Place it in a sun-room or a sheltered, frost free spot over winter and move it out into the warm once the weather settles.

What is the difference between Pink Malay and Dwarf Pink?

Pink Malay grows to about 1m with large clusters. Dwarf Pink stays near 50cm, so the two work together, one in front of the other.