Flame of the Woods

Ixora coccinea, often called jungle geranium or flame of the woods, is an evergreen tropical shrub with dense branching and glossy leaves. In warm climates it can carry rounded clusters of tubular flowers for much of the year; flower color varies among plants and cultivars, so no single color describes every form. ## Form and placement The University of Florida describes the species at roughly 10–15 feet tall and 4–10 feet wide, although pruning and dwarf cultivars create smaller garden forms. Its dense habit suits a hedge, screen, border, specimen planting, or large container in a frost-free setting. The cited USDA range is zones 10–11. ## Light, soil, and water Grow in full sun for the heaviest flowering; it tolerates some part shade. Moist, well-drained acidic soil supports good growth. Alkaline soils can cause yellow foliage from nutrient unavailability, especially beside concrete or foundations; use soil testing and local guidance before correcting pH. The species has moderate drought tolerance, but regular moisture supports growth and flowering. ## Reference See the [University of Florida IFAS profile for Ixora coccinea](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP291) for mature dimensions, climate, soil, and pruning notes. ## Maintenance Prune as needed to shape the shrub. Frequent hedge shearing reduces the flower display; monitor for scale, aphids, bagworms, nematodes, and root rot in conditions favorable to those problems.