Jungle geranium (ixora) Ixora coccinea
Jungle geranium (ixora) (Ixora coccinea) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rubiaceae family, native to India and Sri Lanka. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.8 m (31 in–5.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 4 °C (39 °F). Space plants about 90 cm (35 in) apart.
Plan Jungle geranium (ixora) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Jungle geranium (ixora) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.8 m (31 in–5.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 90 cm (35 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 4 °C (39 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–52 weeks after planting, for 17–43 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | India and Sri Lanka |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇳 India, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Jungle geranium (ixora) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA; no poisoning reports found.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Jungle geranium (ixora)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Jungle geranium (ixora) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (8 plants)
- Gardens by the Bay (12 plants)
- Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden (96 plants)
- Na ʻĀina Kai Botanical Gardens (106 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (3 plants)
- Thai tropical garden (18 plants)
Questions about Jungle geranium (ixora)
- How far apart should I plant Jungle geranium (ixora)?
- About 90 cm (35 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.8 m (31 in–5.9 ft).
- Does Jungle geranium (ixora) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Jungle geranium (ixora) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Jungle geranium (ixora)?
- It tolerates about 4 °C (39 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Jungle geranium (ixora) flower?
- About 26–52 weeks after planting, for 17–43 weeks.
- Is Jungle geranium (ixora) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA; no poisoning reports found.
- What grows well with Jungle geranium (ixora)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Jungle geranium (ixora). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Blooms nearly all year in the tropics; needs acid soil, as alkaline soil causes yellowing.
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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