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(Bouvardia ternifolia)
Firecrackerbush (Bouvardia ternifolia)
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Katja Schulz
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Katja Schulz
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Katja Schulz | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Katja Schulz | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-08-22T14:58:22-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Bouvardia ternifolia, commonly known as Firecrackerbush, is an evergreen shrub or subshrub native to open woodlands, chaparral, and rocky slopes in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It typically grows up to 120 cm (4 feet) tall and wide, with dark green, narrowly egg-shaped leaves that provide a lush backdrop for its flowers. The blooms are spectacular: long, tubular, and bright scarlet, up to 10 cm (2 inches) long, clustered at the ends of the branches, appearing from late spring to fall. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, which are the primary pollinators, making this plant a favorite for wildlife gardens.
Firecrackerbush is valued for its vibrant flowers and ability to attract hummingbirds. It is used in border plantings, as a specimen plant, and in native plant gardens. It is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating drought once established, but performs best with regular watering during prolonged dry periods. Bouvardia ternifolia prefers well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to part shade. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. It is not known to have aggressive roots or significant disease problems. This plant is not typically invasive outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor and manage their plantings responsibly.CC BY-SA 4.0
Firecrackerbush is valued for its vibrant flowers and ability to attract hummingbirds. It is used in border plantings, as a specimen plant, and in native plant gardens. It is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating drought once established, but performs best with regular watering during prolonged dry periods. Bouvardia ternifolia prefers well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to part shade. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. It is not known to have aggressive roots or significant disease problems. This plant is not typically invasive outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor and manage their plantings responsibly.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Subshrub
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red, Orange
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, chaparral, and rocky slopes
Other Names
Common Names: Clavillo, Trompetilla, Firecracker Bush
Scientific Names: , Bouvardia ternifolia, Bouvardia glaberrima, Bouvardia triphylla, Bouvardia jacquinii, Bouvardia hirtella, Bouvardia scabrida, Bouvardia angustifolia, Bouvardia coccinea, Bouvardia linearis
GBIF Accepted Name: Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl.