Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla) Bouvardia ternifolia
Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla) (Bouvardia ternifolia) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rubiaceae family, native to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 70 cm (28 in) apart.
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Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 70 cm (28 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 17–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No reliable toxicity data; used in Mexican herbal medicine, so not for eating.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla)
- How far apart should I plant Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla)?
- About 70 cm (28 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla)?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla) flower?
- From about May for 17–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. No reliable toxicity data; used in Mexican herbal medicine, so not for eating.
- What grows well with Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Firecracker bush (bouvardia, trompetilla). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Native Plant Information Network, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Whorls of three leaves and clusters of scarlet four-lobed tubes from late spring to frost; a top hummingbird plant of the south-west, resprouting from the base after hard frost.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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