Family: Rubiaceae

Mostly native to Asia and Africa, with some species found in Australia, the Pacific Islands and America, this genus includes around 400 species of tropical evergreen shrubs and trees with spectacular, fragrant flower heads in white, yellow, orange, pink and red. In climates which are prone to frost, they are ideal subjects for growing in a warm greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

I. chinensis is a neat, compact shrub which grows to a height and spread of about 2 m (6 ft). The deep green leaves are narrowly pointed and the heads of tubular flowers are borne in profusion at the top of the shrub in spring and summer. It comes in white, yellow, pink, orange and red flowered forms.

I. coccinea, flame of the woods or jungle flame, from tropical Asia, grows to 2-3 m (6-10 ft) in its habitat but only to about 1 m (3 ft) when it is cultivated. It produces dense clusters of brilliant, orange-red flowers throughout the entire summer and has broad, glossy, blunt leaves. A number of cultivars has been produced and these cone in various colours.

Cultivation

Under glass, these plants should be grown in pots of gritty, soilless potting compost. Add some leaf mould if it is available. Plants need good light but they should be shaded from strong, direct sun, and they require a humid atmosphere. Be sparing with water in winter but water normally in the growing season. You may need to lightly prune in spring in order to restrict growth. Outdoors grow in a sunny or partially shaded, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, rooting them in a heated propagating case.

Climate

Subtropical and tropical. Zone 10 plus.