Bouvardia is a genus of roughly 50 species of evergreen herbs and shrubs belonging to the family Rubiaceae (order Gentianales), native primarily to Mexico and Central America. One species, Bouvardia ternifolia, extends northward into the southwestern United States, occurring in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Plants typically grow 0.6–1.5 metres tall. The leaves are arranged opposite each other or in whorls of three to five, with an ovate to lanceolate blade 3–11 cm long. Flowers are borne in terminal, often many-flowered clusters; each flower has a notably long, narrow corolla tube that opens into four spreading lobes. Flower colour varies considerably across the genus, spanning white, yellow, pink, and red — a trait that has made Bouvardia popular in horticulture and the floristry trade.
Several species and numerous cultivars are cultivated as ornamental plants, both outdoors in tropical climates and as houseplants in temperate regions. Hybridisation has produced a range of garden-worthy forms. In the Victorian language of flowers, Bouvardia symbolises enthusiasm, which contributed to its historical use in bouquets and floral arrangements.
The genus name honours Charles Bouvard (1572–1658), physician to the French king Louis XIII and superintendent of the Jardin du Roi in Paris.
Etymology
The genus Bouvardia was named in honour of Charles Bouvard (1572–1658), who served as physician to King Louis XIII of France and as superintendent of the Jardin du Roi (the Royal Garden) in Paris.
Distribution
Bouvardia is native to Mexico and Central America, with the bulk of species diversity centred in Mexico. A single species, B. ternifolia, extends into the southwestern United States, where it occurs in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Cultivation
Several Bouvardia species and hybrids are grown as ornamental plants in tropical gardens and as houseplants in cooler climates. When cultivated indoors, a minimum winter temperature of 7 °C is required, rising to at least 12 °C while the plant is in flower. Cultivars are propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or summer, rooted at approximately 20 °C at night and 25 °C by day, with shading provided as needed.
