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Native Plant Society of Texas

Scarlet Bouvardia

Bouvardia ternifolia

Other common name(s):

Firecracker Bush, Trompetilla, Clavillo

Family:

Rubiaceae (Madder Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts
Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

3
to
5
ft.

Spread

2
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Gravelly, Rocky, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Forage, Nectar, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Browsers, Hummingbirds

Maintenance

Most often used as a flower in mass or singly. It makes a beautiful border. Trim if a dense appearance is desired. Not very winter hardy. Can be grown in a container and taken indoors in cold weather. Good drainage very important. It occurs on rocky slopes and canyon bottoms, pine-oak and juniper-oak woodlands, oak chaparral, and granite slopes at 2500-8000 ft. Propagation: seed, softwood cutting, semi-hardwood cutting, root division.

Comments

Blooms May-November. Firecracker-bush has shiny, oval, dark-green leaves. Bugle-shaped red flowers occur in loose clusters at ends of branches. The Spanish name, Trompetilla, which means “little trumpet,” refers to the corolla’s shape. The fruit is a capsule.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Bouvardia glaberrima

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=21986&locationType=County&mapType=Normal 3) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=BOTE2. 4) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Bouvardia+ternifolia&formsubmit=Search+Terms. 5) Wasowski, Sally and Wasowski, Andy, Native Texas Plants, Landscaping Region by Region, 1988, 1991, pg 234. 6) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 48., 7) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=34953#null

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Semi-harwood Cutting Remove lower leaves and immerse the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant cuttings in a well-draining medium, keep moist but not waterlogged, and maintain high humidity to encourage root development. Patience is needed as rooting can take several weeks. The optimal time to propagate bouvardia tenuifolia via cuttings is during late spring to early summer. This period ensures warm temperatures and ample sunlight, essential for root development. Using semi-ripe cuttings during this time maximizes success, as the plant’s growth phase supports robust root formation. Always opt for well-draining soil and maintain consistent moisture levels. Select healthy, semi-hardwood stems and ensure cuttings are 4-6 inches in length. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Bouvardia_tenuifolia.html#:~:text=Bouvardia%20tenuifolia%20thrives%20with%20cutting,rooting%20can%20take%20several%20weeks. 2) https://earthone.io/plant/bouvardia%20ternifolia?srsltid=AfmBOoosQDJTkScRlA2xbVD615i2iM0gEBrji2dc81LSCmQfC5LDdT3P
Root Division Unearth the Bounty: Carefully dig up the entire plant. Divide and Conquer: Gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each division has healthy roots and shoots. Replant and Thrive: Replant the divisions in wellprepared soil, spacing them according to the mature size of the plant. This method is best done in early spring or fall when the plant is dormant. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-bouvardia-ternifolia/?print=pdf

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason