Maintenance Landscaping Design

Ixora hedge is a beautiful, evergreen hedge plant that is perfect for privacy hedges, foundation plantings, and accent plantings. Ixora hedge has glossy, dark green leaves and produces clusters of bright, colorful flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Ixora is a low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of salt, humidity, and drought.

Also called

• Arabian jasmine
  
• Jasmine
  
• Jasmine sambac
  
• Mogra
  
• Sambac

Things to Know

• Ixora is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae.
  
• It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Madagascar, and the Comoros.
  
• Ixora is a shrub or small tree that typically grows to 2–6 m (7–20 ft) tall.
  
• The leaves are evergreen, opposite, simple, and leathery, with a oblong to elliptical shape.
  
• The flowers are borne in clusters and are typically red, pink, or white.
  
• The fruit is a small, fleshy, berry-like drupe.
  
• Ixora is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and is used in landscaping.
  
• It can be grown in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained, sandy soils.
  
• Ixora is susceptible to a number of diseases, including root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
  
• Ixora hedge can be trimmed to create a formal or informal hedge.

Related plant:
Chinese Ixora

Planting Process

1. For ixora hedge, first step is to choose a sunny spot.
   
2. Then, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
3. Next, mix some compost into the native soil that was removed from the hole.
   
4. After that, place the root ball of ixora hedge gently into the hole.
   
5. Fill the hole with the native soil-compost mixture, and firm it around the plant.
   
6. Then, water the ixora hedge deeply.
   
7. Mulch around the plant, but keep it away from the stem.
   
8. Fertilize the ixora hedge every few months.
   
9. Prune it regularly to maintain the shape.
   
10. Finally, enjoy the beauty of your ixora hedge!

Related plant:
Ixora Bush

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Ixora hedge prefer well-drained soil but tolerates some drought and salt. It also prefers rich soil with a high organic matter content. Ixora is not particular about soil pH but grows best in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils.

Light condition

Not too different with other tropical plants, Ixora hedges need a lot of sun to grow and thrive. They will do best in an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in an area with hot summers, you may need to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from burning. Ixora hedges are also quite drought tolerant once they are established, so they won't need much supplemental water during the growing season.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of the ixora hedge affects its growth rate. When the temperature is cold, the growth rate of the ixora hedge is slower. When the temperature is warm, the growth rate of the ixora hedge is faster.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. anything above or below this range can cause the leaves to drop. If the humidity is too low, the leaves may turn brown and drop. If the humidity is too high, the leaves may turn yellow and drop.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this family of plant recommend a 14-14-14 ratio fertilizer that is applied every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. For the root, Ixora is a heavy feeder and will require a lot of organic matter be added to the soil it is growing in. Ixora is also a heavy drinker and will need to be watered regularly, especially during extended periods of heat and drought.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of maintaining a healthy and vibrant Ixora hedge. Ixora plants are relatively fast growers, so they will benefit from being pruned on a regular basis. Pruning will help to encourage new growth, while also keeping the plant from getting too large.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done by taking softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or early summer. Ixora can also be propagated by seed, but this is a slower method. Place the cuttings in a propagator or seal a plastic bag around the pot to create a humid atmosphere.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the cultivar planted. 'Maui' and 'Naini Tal' cultivars grow at a medium rate, reaching a height of 6 to 8 feet and a width of 4 to 5 feet in 10 years. 'Fireball' and 'Geisha Girl' grow more slowly, maxing out at 4 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. 'Nora Grant' is a fast-growing cultivar, reaching 10 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide in 10 years.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caused by over watering, improper drainage, or too much fertilizer. If the soil is constantly wet, the hedge may develop root rot and die. If the soil does not drain well, the hedge may develop crown rot. If the hedge is receiving too much fertilizer, it may develop leaf burn.

Tips on Growing

• Do not forget to water your ixora hedge regularly, as it will need consistent moisture to thrive.
  
• Fertilize your ixora hedge regularly to ensure that it has all the nutrients it needs to grow lush and full.
  
• Prune your ixora hedge regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking its best.
  
• Place your ixora hedge in an area that receives plenty of sunlight for best results.
  
• Be sure to space your ixora hedge plants properly when planting them, as they will need room to grow.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests or diseases that could affect your ixora hedge, and take steps to address any problems that arise.
  
• Use mulch around your ixora hedge to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  
• Consider adding an irrigation system to help water your ixora hedge during dry periods.
  

Similar Plants

• Ixora arborea
  
• Ixora coccinea
  
• Ixora javanica
  
• Ixora macrothyrsa
  
• Ixora montana
  
• Ixora nepalensis
  
• Ixora parviflora
  
• Ixora philippinensis
  
• Ixora puberula
  
• Ixora punctata

Source:
Ixora - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural …
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