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How to Grow Pink Star Royal Red

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Pink Star Royal Red

Ixora coccinea 'Pink Star Royal Red'

shrub

Pink Star Royal Red is a tropical flowering shrub known for its vibrant clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in deep pink to red tones. It's an evergreen plant that blooms prolifically throughout warm seasons, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. This cultivar is prized for ornamental landscaping and container gardening in warm climates.

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Example Pink Star Royal Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Pink Star Royal Red

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Pink Star Royal Red

    Around Oct 14

    ≈ 180 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pink Star Royal Red dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season; reduce watering in winter. Water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage
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Spacing: 24 inches
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Days to maturity: 180-365
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Planting depth: Same depth as root ball; do not bury stem

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil
pH: 5.5-6.5
Amendments:
Peat moss or coco coir Perlite or sand for drainage Compost or aged manure

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 10-11; can be grown in containers indoors in cooler zones

10 11

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Young plant with developing root system and initial leaf growth

Water regularly to keep soil moist; provide afternoon shade in intense heat; do not fertilize until roots establish (4-6 weeks)

2

Vegetative Growth

2-4 months

Plant develops bushy foliage with multiple branches; no flowers yet

Prune to shape and encourage branching; fertilize monthly with balanced or slightly higher phosphorus formula; maintain consistent moisture

3

Flowering

3-8 months (spring through fall in warm climates, year-round in tropics)

Dense clusters of star-shaped pink-red flowers appear at branch tips

Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage continuous blooming; fertilize every 2 weeks with bloom-boosting fertilizer; maintain warm temperatures (70-85°F)

4

Rest/Winter Dormancy

2-4 months

Growth slows; flowering reduces or stops; foliage may appear less vibrant

Reduce watering frequency; stop fertilizing; provide bright light; protect from temperatures below 50°F; minimal pruning

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Pentas Mandevilla Plumbago Lantana Salvia Begonias Caladiums

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring acidic soil below 5.5 pH Water-loving plants that prefer consistently wet soil

Common Pests

  • Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; remove heavily infested leaves

  • Increase humidity by misting; spray with water jet to dislodge; use miticide if severe

  • Remove by hand or with soft brush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil weekly

  • Isolate plant; spray with insecticidal soap or alcohol-based insecticide; repeat every 7-10 days

Uses

🌿

Landscape Flowering Shrub

Ornamental

Pink Star Royal Red is extensively used in tropical and subtropical landscapes as a focal point planting, hedge, or specimen shrub. Its long flowering season and vibrant color make it invaluable for creating colorful garden displays. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The abundant, nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and honeybees, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens and supporting beneficial pollinator populations. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

The long-lasting flower clusters can be cut and arranged in vases, providing fresh, vibrant tropical bouquets that can last 1-2 weeks with proper care. [source]

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Container and Patio Gardening

Household

Pink Star Royal Red thrives in large containers on patios and decks, making it perfect for gardeners in cooler climates who can move plants indoors during winter. [source]

Harvest Tips

Ixora is grown for ornamental flowers, not harvested for food. Deadhead spent flower clusters by pinching or cutting just below the dried flowers to encourage more blooms. Cut stems can be used in fresh flower arrangements; harvest in early morning when stems are fully hydrated.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Ixora is native to tropical regions of Asia and is the national flower of Samoa, symbolizing prosperity and beauty.
  • 🌱 The name 'Ixora' comes from 'Iswara,' a Sanskrit word for Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology, reflecting its cultural significance in Asian gardens.
  • 🌱 Pink Star Royal Red can bloom year-round in tropical climates with consistent warmth, producing thousands of flowers annually when properly maintained.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade pH
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