Bouvardia is a genus of plants in the Rubiaceae family. It includes around 50 species[1] of evergreen shrubs and herbs that are native to Central America and Mexico.
Bouvardia (Bouvardia ternifolia) is a genus of vibrant, tubular flowers native to Mexico, with species like B. ternifolia showcasing brilliant scarlet to coral-red blooms. The flowers grow in small, elegant clusters that attract hummingbirds. Historically, Bouvardia has ties to colonial Mexico, where it was cultivated for ornamental gardens. Its name honors Charles Bouvard, a 17th-century French royal physician and botanist, reflecting the European interest in Mexican flora during the colonial era. Today, Bouvardia is popular worldwide for floral arrangements due to its long vase life and is especially appreciated in Mexican gardens for its heat tolerance and vivid beauty.
The shape of this plant’s flower gives it the common names Hummingbird Flower and Trumpetellia. They reach heights of between 0.6 and 1.5 m. The dark green leaves are opposite or whorled, oval to lance-shaped, 3 to 11 cm long.
The flowers are borne in terminal clusters, usually with many flowers. The corolla has four elongated lobes and a large tube. The color ranges of the flowers vary depending on the species, and can be red, pink, yellow, or white.
The lightly scented flowers attract hummingbirds. Several Bouvardia species are cultivated as ornamental plants and houseplants in the tropics and temperate regions.
