Bouvardia Makes Special Occasions

Bouvardia's dainty flowers and soft colors bestow an air of femininity wherever they make an appearance. Woven into a bridal bouquet or tucked into a special occasion arrangement, the showy clusters of tubular flowers enhance the feeling of fragility. As an added touch, bouvardia comes with its own foliage, several green leaves on the stem and side branches.

A native of Arizona and New Mexico, this cut flower is also related to the coffee plant and the gardenia. Grown in greenhouses, bouvardia is available year round from California cut flower growers, although supplies are more limited in winter.

Bouvardia is ideal for weddings, where its palette of colors--whites, pinks, peaches--are most in demand. It is especially valued because it adds to the limited number of cut flowers available in peach. This year Pyramid Flowers Inc. in Oxnard, California, a major bouvardia grower, has extended the selection even further. 'Silvia' is a light peach variety bred to match the 'Sonia' rose.

But bouvardia is not just for weddings. It is perfect, for example, for arrangements to celebrate the arrival of a new baby, or a young lady's coming of age on her 16th birthday.

Bouvardia is a detail flower that works best in rounded designs rather than in large arrangements, says Rene van Rems, a well known San Diego based floral designer. It blends well with flowers such as hydrangea, delphinium, and larkspur. Airy foliage such as asparagus fern complements it well.

For everyday occasions, varieties of vibrant color are coming into production. 'Jolanda' is a new hot pink variety; 'Edith' is a variegated pink with a dark pink center. Both are the single flowering type with improved vase life, lasting up to two weeks with proper care.

Bouvardia can also be an asset in mixed bouquets. For a subdued look, it works well with pink roses and stems of eucalyptus. For a more sensational effect: hot pink 'Jolanda' with hot pink spray roses, and stems of boronia.

Care and handling is a critical issue for this flower. Bouvardia is susceptible to wilting, so it must be kept well-watered and in very clean water. For long lasting arrangements, vase water is preferred over floral foam. Floral food is also recommended. Bouvardia is sensitive to cool temperatures and should be stored prior to use at 45° - 50° F.

Back to Design Ideas