Scarlet Bouvardia (Bouvardia ternifolia)

Scarlet Bouvardia (Bouvardia ternifolia), Big Bend, TX. Photograph by Ad Konings.

• Common English Names: Scarlet Bouvardia
• Common Spanish Names: Trompetilla, Doncellita, Mirto
• Scientific Name: Bouvardia ternifolia (boo-VAR-dee-uh tern-eh-FOLE-ee-uh) (includes B. glaberrima)
• Family: Rubiaceae (Madder Family)
• Geographic Range: Mountains of Trans-Pecos Texas, southern NM, southeastern Arizona, and much of northern Mexico.
• Plant Form: Deciduous shrub, 4’ H X 3’ W.
• Remarks: Attractive flowering shrub with neat dark green lanceolate foliage on multiple whitish-barked stems and clusters of bright red, slender, tubular flowers up to 1½ inch long. Blooms early summer to fall with moisture. Good Hummingbird plant. Needs medium water, requires partial shade from hot afternoon sun and well draining soil. Moderately winter hardy and protection is needed below 20°. Can be used in pots.

Last Update: 5 Sep 2003