Alphabetical Plant Listing

Bouvardia ternifolia (Firecracker Bush)

Scarlet Bouvardia, Firecracker Bush, Trompetilla, Clavillo, Trumpet Flower, Scarlet Hummingbird Flower


An outstanding Southwest native plant, Bouvardia ternifolia (Firecracker Bush) is a small upright shrub boasting a profusion of brilliant trumpet-shaped red flowers from spring to fall. Blooming in clusters at the tips of erect, slightly arching stems, the blossoms feature narrow tubes, 2 in. long (5), and 4 flaring petals. The flowers are produced in such great quantities that they literally cover the shrub for months. Rich in nectar, they are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. The stems are clad with attractive whorls of small shiny, oval, dark-green leaves. Easy to grow, low maintenance, disease resistant, and heat and humidity-tolerant, Firecracker Bush is a terrific addition to sunny garden beds or containers. As a cut flower, the blooms will last up to a week or more! Evergreen in frost-free areas.

  • Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun or part shade in neutral to acid, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established but looks best with regular to occasional irrigation. Excessive water and fertilizer tend to make the plant leggy, and taller stems tend to flop over. Provide good air circulation.
  • Deadheading old blooms will keep the plant neat and dense. Cutting it back one-third in mid-season will promote new flowers and foliage.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings.
  • Native to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas

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Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 10
Heat Zones 10 – 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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Forest and Kim Starr (Flickr)

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 10
Heat Zones 10 – 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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