I am a compact, evergreen flowering shrub known for my vibrant, dense clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that bloom in brilliant shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, or white. My glossy, dark green leaves provide a lush backdrop to my showy flower heads, making me a popular choice for hedges, borders, containers, and tropical landscape designs. I am prized for my long blooming season and ability to add continuous color to gardens and indoor spaces.

Native to tropical Asia, especially India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, where I thrive in warm, humid climates. I have been widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub in tropical and subtropical gardens worldwide and am especially favored in South India and coastal regions.

I prefer consistently moist but well-drained soil. Water me regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months.

I thrive in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. I can tolerate some morning sun but need protection from intense afternoon rays, which can scorch my leaves and flowers. I bloom best with at least 4–6 hours of filtered sunlight daily.

I flourish in warm, humid conditions between 20°C to 35°C. I am sensitive to cold and frost and should be protected from temperatures below 15°C. In cooler climates, I can be grown indoors or in greenhouses.

Plant me in rich, acidic, well-draining soil amended with organic compost. Space dwarf varieties 45–60 cm apart for a dense, bushy appearance. I do well in garden beds, containers, and as low hedges or border plants.

Feed me monthly during the growing season with a balanced, acid-forming fertilizer (such as one for azaleas or camellias). Iron supplements may be needed if leaves show signs of yellowing (chlorosis) due to alkaline soil.

Botanical name: Ixora coccinea (dwarf varieties such as ‘Pink Pixie’, ‘Maui’, or ‘Sunset’). Family: Rubiaceae. I am related to coffee and gardenia. My flower clusters are called "umbels" and are highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Considered mildly toxic if ingested by pets. The plant contains compounds that may cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, or loss of appetite in cats and dogs. Keep out of their reach.

Moderate. I help improve indoor air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. My dense foliage can also trap dust and improve ambient humidity.

I provide year-round color, attract pollinators, and are low-maintenance once established. I am often used in landscaping for formal gardens, pathways, and decorative pots. In some cultures, my flowers are used in traditional rituals and decorations.

Susceptible to aphids, scale, and spider mites. Yellowing leaves may indicate alkaline soil, iron deficiency, or overwatering. Lack of blooms is often due to insufficient light, improper pH, or over-fertilization with nitrogen.

With proper care, I can live for 10–15 years or longer. I am a perennial shrub that blooms repeatedly throughout the year, especially in warm and humid conditions, with peak flowering in summer and monsoon seasons.