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GENERAL
Origin
:
tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid, extremely
humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (2000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub
Height
:
1 m-6 m
Spread
:
1 m-6 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
bright red
Size
:
5 cm - 10 cm
Period
:
April - August
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
1.5 cm
The Jungle Flame is an evergreen shrub native to India and Sri Lanka. Frost-sensitive in Arriyadh,
it has become a popular garden shrub in recent years. Its shiny, leathery leaves measure 5 to 10
cm long and 3 to 5 cm across. Young foliage sprouts tinted in bronze. Bright red flowers appear in
clusters of 10 cm diameter and attract butterflies. At first, the outer flowers open while the inner
ones follow later on. Various cultivars are available with flower colours in pink, orange, yellow
or white. Flowering begins in late spring, but flowers appear sporadically all year round. Other
varieties grow compact and seem to be hybrids with the Flame of the Woods (Ixora chinensis).
It is less suitable for desert climates than its Chinese cousin, but takes more shade. In its native
environment, this shrub reaches a height of 6 metres, but in Arriyadh it grows to only about half
that size. Softwood cuttings root best at the end of summer, encouraged by some rooting hor-
mone. Initially, they should be pinched to achieve regular branching. If grown in pots, the Jungle
Flame tends to shed flowers, especially if it is moved. It appreciates light, but does not tolerate
full sun if this is associated with harsh conditions such as drought and wind. The soil should be
well drained, acidic and nutrient-rich with plenty of compost. Frequent deep irrigation is essential
to establish the plants. The plants look great if planted in groups or as a flowering hedge. Scale
sometimes affects this shrub, but otherwise it tends to be disease-free.
168
Ixora coccinea,
Rubiaceae
Jungle Flame