Bouvardia

Bouvardia (scientific name: Bouvardia) is a non-hardy, evergreen herb and shrub of the Rubiaceae family native to tropical America, including Mexico and Central America.
From fall through winter, it produces small, slender, tubular flowers with cross-shaped tips.
Flower colors include pink, white, red, yellow, and orange, and some varieties are fragrant.

Origin of the Flower’s Name
The genus name “Bouvardia” is derived from Charles Bouvard (1572–1658), who served as the head gardener of the French royal gardens and as a personal physician to King Louis XIII.
The Japanese name “Kan-chōji” comes from the flower’s resemblance to the clove blossom and its slender, tubular shape.

Flower Meanings

Common Name: Bouvardia
Scientific Name: Bouvardia
Other Names: Bouvardia, Kanchoji
Native Region: Tropical America
Classification: Order Gentianales, Family Rubiaceae, Genus Bouvardia (Kanchoji)
Life Form: 50 species of evergreen herbs and shrubs,
Height: 60–150 cm,
Leaf Length: 3–11 cm, Leaf shape: Ovate to lanceolate; Leaf arrangement: Opposite or whorled;
Inflorescence type: Racemose, terminal; Corolla shape: Slender tubular with a 4-lobed tip;
Flowering season: October–December; year-round on Izu Oshima;
Flower color: Pink, white, red, yellow, orange; Fragrance: Fragrant; Flower form: single-flowered, double-flowered,
Uses: Cut flowers and bouquets, such as wedding bouquets,
Propagation: Cuttings.

Related pages
Bouvardia