Re: Ixora coccinea
- To: "Frances Howey" , "Medit-Plants"
- Subject: Re: Ixora coccinea
- From: W* G*
- Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2000 11:31:42 -0400
I. coccinea is a handsome flowering shrub native to the Indian
subcontinent and now naturalized or cultivated throughout the tropics and
subtropics. Grows to 3 metres (10 feet) high and nearly as broad, but
well withstands pruning to any desired height and width and is eminently
suitable for planting as a specimen or hedge.
Given full sun and moderate water I. coccinea flowers abundantly
throughout the year. While I have read it can be afflicted by many insect
pests - of which there are no shortages here the year round - the aphids,
mealybugs, and caterpillars hereabouts seem to have no taste for it.
Personally, have found I. coccinea easy to propagate, rooting readily
within 2-3 weeks from hardwood cuttings containing three or four joints
set in lightly moist perlite or sand, kept warm (27C/80F or higher) and
out of direct sunlight.
Warm regards,
William Glover
Nevis, West Indies (Antilles)
On 2/11/00 8:44 AM frances howey (fhowey@julian.uwo.ca) wrote:
>Hello again: This plant has only just bloomed in the 'warm room' at the
>University greenhouse...a member of the rubiaceae family and hence related
>to gardenias. Prominent bright red flower buds open salmon pink which
>contrasts well against deep green shiney leaves. It's about 2 ft. high -
>can't find out much about it except that it can be propogated from softwood
>cuttings. Does anyone know where it comes from and something about its
>'reputation'. Thanks. Fran
>
