Scarlet Bouvardia
Bouvardia ternifolia
Last reviewed: October 2026
Toxicity unknown
Scarlet Bouvardia (Bouvardia ternifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
36"–60" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AZ, NM, TX
Pollinators
hummingbirds
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Scarlet Bouvardia is a medium-sized native shrub that produces clusters of bright red tubular flowers from spring through fall. This deciduous plant thrives in partial sun with minimal water requirements once established. The long blooming season and compact growth habit make it an attractive addition to Texas landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Scarlet Bouvardia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Insufficient data for HOA assessment
Wildlife value
The bright red tubular flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds, providing an excellent nectar source throughout most of the growing season. The extended bloom period from March through November makes this plant particularly valuable for supporting hummingbird migration and year-round residents.
Common questions
- How much sun does Scarlet Bouvardia need?
- Scarlet Bouvardia grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Scarlet Bouvardia bloom?
- Scarlet Bouvardia blooms in April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Scarlet Bouvardia native?
- Scarlet Bouvardia (Bouvardia ternifolia) is native to AZ, NM, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Scarlet Bouvardia attract?
- Scarlet Bouvardia draws hummingbirds.
- Is Scarlet Bouvardia HOA-friendly?
- Scarlet Bouvardia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Scarlet Bouvardia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.