Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.
Regular watering required — not drought tolerant. Water 2-3x per week year-round (daily during establishment). Do not allow to dry out between waterings — drought stress triggers spider mite outbreaks. Avoid overwatering — Phytophthora root rot is the primary failure cause in poorly drained soils. Consistent moisture at right level is the key management challenge.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Acid-forming slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants (azalea/camellia formula) plus chelated iron micronutrients. Target soil pH 5.0-6.5.
Schedule: February, May, and September. Acid-forming slow-release fertilizer plus chelated iron in limestone soils.
Salt Tolerance
- Mature Height
- 4–8 ft
- Mature Width
- 3–6 ft
- Growth Rate
- moderate
- Water Demand
- 4/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida
- Installed Cost
- $
- USDA Zones
- 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 3/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Ixora at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Ixora grow in South Florida?
Ixora has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Ixora safe for pets?
Ixora is not safe for pets. Mildly toxic to dogs and cats — may cause vomiting and GI upset if foliage is ingested in quantity. Low toxicity risk in typical landscape settings but advise pet-owning clients.
How much water does Ixora need in South Florida?
Moderate water needs (4/10). Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.
Can Ixora tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Ixora has low salt tolerance (3/10) and is not recommended near areas with significant salt air exposure.
Is Ixora available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Ixora is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. THE standard HOA shrub in Miami-Dade.
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. Standard HOA shrub in Broward.
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. Cold sensitivity is the primary limitation — frost events in Wellington and northern Palm Beach County cause significant damage.
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Very popular in Naples area communities.
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed with limitations. Low salt tolerance (3/10) limits usefulness in exposed Keys coastal locations.
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Ixora
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.