Green Guide: <i>Bouvardia ternifolia</i>

Flowering from May until the first hard frost, firecracker bush will put on a non-stop floral display with its profuse blooms.In today’s competitive plant world, I think all of us are always on the lookout for the next undiscovered gem that no one else seems to be offering. An outstanding, but little known Southwest native plant that fits the bill is Bouvardia ternifolia (firecracker bush).

Upon first glance, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the bright, scarlet red-orange tubular flowers that entirely blanket the plant. Flowering from May until the first hard frost, firecracker bush will put on a non-stop floral display with its continuous and profuse blooms. Flowers form at the end of each branch in clusters and can number more than 25 per head. Flared at the end and tubular in shape, each are approximately 2 inches long. Think of them as cuphea flowers (cigar plant) on steroids.

With an overall mounding habit reaching 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide, it can become a bit airy in the center by mid- to late season. Deadheading spent flowers will help to maintain the shape and habit. Pruning it back one third in mid-season will help to make it more compact, and new flowers and foliage will quickly reemerge. The leaves are simple and light green and are attractively arranged in whorls at each node along the stems.

Low-maintenance beauty

Once established, B. ternifolia is drought-tolerant and will continue to flower profusely even with minimal water. It will tolerate moderate to frequent waterings and an occasional feeding, provided it has excellent drainage. Excessive water and fertilizer tend to make the firecracker bush leggy, and taller stems tend to flop over. Few, if any, pest and disease issues affect the plant, making it fairly carefree in terms of maintenance. Being able to withstand heat and humidity makes this an easy choice for many regions of the country. The plant has also proven itself to grow in a range of soils from nutritionally poor ones to clay. While the plant prefers to be located in full sun, it will also thrive in part to light shade.

For those wishing to attract wildlife into the garden B. ternifolia is a must. Placing the plant near an easily viewed area is sure to be rewarded, as hummingbirds will be quick to hone in on the long, tubular red flowers.

Uses for B. ternifolia are as endless as one’s imagination. It combines well with other plants in mixed containers and hanging baskets. In the garden it makes both a stunning specimen plant as well as a mass planting that will command one’s attention from a distance. And as a cut flower, the blooms will last up to a week or more.