Prince of Orange Ixora

Prince of Orange Ixora (Ixora chinensis 'Prince of Orange') is a glossy evergreen shrub that grows 1 to 2m tall and about 1m wide. It carries rounded clusters of vivid orange flowers above rich foliage that often emerges orange itself. It is a classic subtropical hedge and feature plant that flowers through the warm months, and it needs frost free conditions.

Why you'll love it

• Vivid orange flower clusters. Rounded heads of tiny four-petalled flowers vary subtly in shade, giving a rich glowing effect.
• Glossy foliage. New growth often emerges orange, so the shrub looks colourful even between flowers.
• Good for hedges. It can be kept as a low hedge or grown to 2m for a screening hedge in subtropical gardens.
• Container friendly. It grows well in large pots as a patio plant, provided it gets plenty of light.
• Warm weather performer. It flowers through the warm months and loves heat and humidity.

Where it works best

Hedges and screening. Plant 70cm apart in a row for a dense flowering hedge. Keep it trimmed to about 1m for a low hedge, or let it grow on towards 2m for screening.

Tropical feature planting. A group of three or five in a bed with palms, gingers and cordylines makes a glowing focal point.

Large containers. Use a pot at least 40cm wide with an acidic potting mix, such as one made for azaleas and camellias, in a sunny position.

Growing Prince of Orange Ixora in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a sunny spot with soil that drains well. It prefers warm climates, and suits tropical and subtropical gardens. It is frost tender, and damaged below about 5 degrees Celsius, so in cooler areas grow it in a pot and shelter it over winter.

Soil. It prefers acid soil, around pH 5 to 6. If the leaves turn yellow with green veins, the soil is too alkaline, and an iron chelate treatment plus acidic mulch will help.

Water and feed. Mulch well and water regularly while it establishes, which takes roughly 12 weeks. Provide plenty of water in dry periods, give a slow release fertiliser each spring, and use a liquid seaweed fertiliser if leaves yellow after dry conditions.

Pruning. Trim whenever needed to hold the shape, and remove spent flowers. Protect the plant from frost.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Prince of Orange Ixora as tube stock, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly in warm soil, and is the economical choice for a hedge. The pots give a bigger plant for a faster line. Expect growth to kick off as soon as the weather warms.

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 are my ixora leaves yellow?

Almost always the soil is too alkaline, so the plant cannot take up iron. Apply iron chelates for a quick fix, then lower the soil pH with acidic mulch and a fertiliser made for azaleas.

Will it grow in Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide?

Only in a warm, sheltered position in Sydney, and in a pot further south. It is frost tender, so move potted plants to shelter for winter.

How tall will it get?

Between 1 and 2m, depending on how you prune it. Trim regularly for a low hedge, or let it grow for a taller screen.