Ixora chinensis aka Chinese Ixora

Ixora chinensis is an evergreen shrub in the Rubiaceae family. Its native range spans southeastern China, Indochina, and the Philippines. Kew places it in the wet tropical climate zone. Wild plants grow along rivers, in thickets, and in open woodland. It also grows in gardens as an ornamental shrub. The flowers are the main reason people grow it.

Several woody stems give this shrub an upright form. Plants often stay below 3.3 feet [1 metre] tall. Larger plants can reach about 6.6 feet [2 metres]. The smaller size is the better guide for garden planning. It keeps its leaves rather than shedding them each year. The supplied sources give no details on leaf shape or bark. They also give no mature spread for this species. Its flowers last well, which adds to its garden value. Insects pollinate them, but the sources give no flowering season. They do not describe the fruit or its colour.

Grow this species in full sun or a partly shaded spot. It does best in soil rich in humus. Keep the soil moist, but allow excess water to drain. This suits the moist conditions described for its native climate. The evidence gives no frost limit or winter hardiness zone. It also gives no soil pH range or growth rate. No named pests or diseases appear in the supplied account.

Propagation methods include seed, cuttings, and air layering. For cuttings, choose semi-ripe wood that has no flowers. Use shoots with short gaps between their joints. Place each cutting in its own pot while it roots. Keep the pots in shade with humid air around them. The cited rooting temperature is about 77°F [25°C]. These conditions apply to rooting cuttings, not a stated winter minimum.

People also gather this plant for local medicinal use. Reported uses include root preparations after childbirth and for bronchial complaints. Other preparations have been used for high blood pressure and absent periods. Flower infusions have been used for bleeding and early tuberculosis. Leaf or flower infusions have been used for headaches. These records describe traditional use, not proof that treatments work. The source lists no known food uses or hazards. That does not establish that every part is safe to eat.