Ixora Maui Red

​Ixora Maui Red is a tropical evergreen flowering shrub known for its rounded clusters of bright red flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. Its naturally dense, compact growth provides repeated flowering throughout warm weather while maintaining a manageable size. In Southwest Florida, it is commonly used for low flowering hedges, foundation plantings, tropical garden borders, and mass landscape plantings. Botanically known as Ixora 'Maui Red',  this plant typically grows 3–4 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning. Its dense, rounded growth creates a medium-sized evergreen shrub that provides more coverage than smaller dwarf Ixora varieties without reaching the height of larger selections.​

​This shrub grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Locations receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily generally support stronger flowering. Southwest Florida's alkaline soils can limit iron and manganese availability, causing yellowing leaves and reduced growth.​

​For low flowering hedges, space Ixora Maui Red approximately 2–3 feet apart, depending on the starting plant size and desired coverage. Its compact branching makes it suitable beneath windows, along wider walkways, and in front of taller tropical shrubs. Grouped plantings can create continuous evergreen coverage with repeated red flowers.​

​Newly planted Ixora Maui Red needs regular watering while its roots establish. Mature plants prefer consistent soil moisture during active growth and flowering. Water when the upper soil begins to dry, but avoid prolonged drought or saturated conditions. Mulching around the root area can help retain moisture during hot weather.​

​Ixora Maui Red produces rounded clusters of small, bright red flowers at the ends of its branches. Healthy plants develop new flower clusters repeatedly during warm weather, providing multiple flowering cycles throughout much of the year in Southwest Florida. Its dark green evergreen foliage maintains coverage between blooming periods.​

​This plant grows slowly to moderately and generally requires minimal pruning to maintain its rounded shape. Light trimming after a flowering cycle helps control uneven branches without removing developing flower clusters. Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants with iron, manganese, and other micronutrients. Check soil pH if leaves develop yellowing between green veins. Frost can damage flowers, leaves, and tender branches.​

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Why You'll Love It​

Bright Red Flower Clusters: Produces rounded groups of small red flowers that provide concentrated color above glossy, dark green foliage.​

Mid-Sized, Dense Growth: Typically reaches 3–4 feet tall and wide, providing more landscape coverage than smaller dwarf Ixora selections.​

Extended Flowering Season: Develops new red flower clusters throughout warm weather, providing repeated blooms beyond a single flowering period.​

Effective for Group Plantings: Dense, rounded branching allows several shrubs to form continuous flowering borders or low hedges.​

Sun Requirements: Grows in full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of direct sunlight generally supporting stronger flowering.​

Water Needs: Requires regular watering during establishment and consistent moisture during active flowering. Avoid prolonged drought and waterlogged soil.​

Mature Size: Approximately 3–4 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning.​

Best Uses: Low flowering hedges, foundation beds, walkway plantings, tropical garden borders, mass landscape plantings, and large patio containers with slightly acidic, well-draining potting mix.​