Overview
Bouvardia x domestica is a plant with a shrub habit in the genus Bouvardia, part of the Rubiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Bouvardia x domestica grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include container planting, conservatories and summer bedding.
About
Bouvardia x domestica, commonly known as house bouvardia, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Like other Bouvardia species, it features simple leaves and clusters of tubular flowers with four spreading lobes, appearing at the ends of stems and in leaf axils. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect and prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. It is suitable for container planting, conservatories, and summer bedding, with interest during spring and summer. Propagation is by semi-ripe cuttings, and it requires protection in the UK as it is hardy to H1b.
About the genus
Bouvardia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. It contains about 50 species of evergreen herbs and shrubs native to Mexico and Central America, with one species extending into the southwestern United States. The genus is named in honor of Charles Bouvard (1572–1658), physician to Louis XIII, and superintendent of the Jardin du Roi in Paris.
Wikipedia contributors, "Bouvardia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bouvardia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bouvardia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Bouvardia x domestica size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Container planting, conservatories, summer bedding
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bouvardia x domestica
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, whitefly, red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Prone to root rot, iron deficiency (chlorosis)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bouvardia x domestica?
Bouvardia x domestica prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bouvardia x domestica need?
Bouvardia x domestica grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Bouvardia x domestica hardy in the UK?
Bouvardia x domestica has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Bouvardia x domestica?
Semi-ripe cuttings.