Flower Library
Bouvardia
Bouvardia · Rubiaceae
Bouvardia is a delicate, often fragrant cut flower with trumpet to star-shaped blooms that lend any arrangement a sense of lightness. We value it as a fine filler with an unusually filigree character and source it in A1 quality directly via the Veiling Rhein-Maas, which is noticeably reflected in its longevity. With good care the often-quoted seven days frequently turn into considerably more.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 7–12 days
- Latin name
- Bouvardia
- Colors
- White, Pink, Red, Salmon, Bicolour
Botanically the genus comprises around fifty species, while the trade is dominated by hybrids with single or double flowers. Well-known cultivars include the pure white Royal Katrine and Diamond White as well as the warm Pink Luck; alongside these there are strong reds and soft salmon and bicolour variants. The blooms sit in loose corymb-like clusters at the tip of branched stems.
In floristry bouvardia is used mainly as a filler and scatter flower. It loosens up compact rose or carnation bouquets, adds fine structure to bridal bouquets, buttonholes and table arrangements, and works equally well in romantic and in modern, airy designs. For wedding work in particular it is a classic thanks to its filigree elegance.
A sign of fresh quality is firm, unopened to half-open blooms without brown edges and lush, crisp foliage. Because bouvardia is strongly ethylene-sensitive, proper pre-treatment with STS along the supply chain is decisive. It is precisely this care, from the auction table to the vase, that determines whether the buds keep opening or drop prematurely.
Stylistically bouvardia combines beautifully: with roses and lisianthus for a classic, romantic bouquet, with ranunculus and sweet peas for spring lightness, or with eucalyptus and grasses for a natural, modern look. Its small-scale blooms never set a loud accent but always a connecting one.
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle with a sharp knife, ideally under water, as bouvardia is sensitive to air in its vascular tissue.
- 02Use fresh water with flower food and change it every two days, recutting the stems each time.
- 03Bouvardia is very thirsty: always keep enough water in the vase and remove any leaves below the waterline.
- 04Keep it cool but not too cold, since the flower is chill-sensitive, and avoid direct sun and draughts.
- 05Do not place it next to ripening fruit: the ethylene released causes buds and flowers to drop prematurely.
Frequently asked
- How long does bouvardia last in the vase?
- With clean water, regular recutting and fresh A1 stems, seven to twelve days are realistic. Plenty of water, a cool spot and distance from ripening fruit are decisive.
- Is bouvardia toxic to cats or children?
- Bouvardia is not listed as toxic to cats or dogs and is considered harmless. Larger amounts may at most cause mild stomach upset, so pets and small children should never be allowed to nibble on cut flowers.
- When is bouvardia in season?
- As a cut flower bouvardia in white, pink and red is available almost year-round via the auction, with a peak in late summer and autumn. This means it can be worked into a bouquet at virtually any time.
- Why are my bouvardia buds dropping?
- Usually the cause is ethylene: bouvardia is very sensitive and responds with bud drop when placed near fruit or when it was not properly pre-treated. Fresh stems with STS pre-treatment and a fruit-free spot prevent this.