Question on trimming Ixora

One of my great friends, known as Tomatoholic here, had one of these last year and I fell in love with it. I tried and tried to find one last summer to no avail, however, to my delight I found them this spring. I potted them up this last weekend and noticed that this one has what I think is a "shoot" coming out of the top of the soil. I was hoping that someone could let me know a few things about removing it. First of all, I should do so right? Secondly, is this something that you cut off at soil level or do I need to dig into the soil some and go deeper? Should I pull it instead of prune it? That would seem like a "no-no" to me, but hey, I am a novice. After removing it, is this something that I can get to grow if I put it into a pot? If so, I would love to know how. I think these plants are so pretty, I hope to have them for a long time. According to PF this is a native to Singapore and is more commonly known as Flame of the Jungle or Jungle Geranium. In my zone 8b, I will need to bring it indoors through the winter.


Thanks so much for any help you can provide.

Merae

P.S. I wasn't quite sure on what forum to post this...please forgive me if this one is not appropriate.

I am sorry that I can't help you, but I know nothing about Ixora.
I am sure someone will be able to help.
Josephine.

When I lived in Mexico we trimmed ours into all sorts of shapes (birds, baskets, etc . . . ) all year with no problem. So I am guessing - if they grow like nuts here like they did there it will take any time you trim it with a new flush of growth.

Anyone else know anything about this plant?

msMerae, why do you want to remove it? are you trying to shape into a standard? I would leave it alone, but if you can't stand it, I would just cut it off to where it's not visible. These plants don't like cold, so you are right in planning to bring it in during cold. Will also need to keep an eye on it during extreme heat. THey don't like it. Somebody told me it is not good to trim 1 yr old or younger plants. In my experience, when I have done that they have not survived weather extremes, so these days I don't trim until year 2.

I love this plant and so will you. BTW, mine is planted inground, full sun, but I do have to keep an eye on it during extremes.

Josephine, thank you for your response.

Mitch, I can't imagine having the artistic talent to trim the Ixora into looking like a bird or a basket. I have a hard time even drawing a tree on paper other than the kind you do in elementary. :-o I do hope mine grows nuts like they do in Mexico.

vossner - Happy belated Bday. I hope that this year brings you many gardening pleasures and successes. :-) I guess the reason why I posted the question about trimming the ixora is because for some reason I thought it needed to. I am not sure why though. I really do not plan on shaping it, would just like to enjoy the intricate blooms and the pretty foliage. I did not know that you should wait till year 2 to do any pruning. That makes since about it surviving weather extremes and I do appreciate the information. I currently have it in full sun on a hot concrete patio, but in July and August, I will watch it and move it to a more shaded area if needed.

Everyone have a good Easter weekend.

Merae