Discover Bouvardia: A Flower Rich in Meaning and Tradition
Bouvardia includes about 50 species of herbaceous perennials. These trumpet-shaped flowers range from white and yellow to shades of pink and red that symbolize enthusiasm, a lively spirit, and a zest for life. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Bouvardia flower meaning in the language of flowers.

Bouvardia Flower Meaning – Key Takeaways
Bouvardia flowers hold several positive symbolic meanings in the language of flowers. They are often associated with enthusiasm, representing a vibrant and lively spirit that embraces life with zest. Bouvardia also carries connotations of creativity and artistic expression, symbolizing the ability to think outside the box and pursue innovative ideas.
Etymological Meaning
Bouvardia earns its name from Charles Bouvard, superintendent of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris and physician to King Louis XIII. Bouvard was known for his work using flowers to create medicines.
Bouvardia Flower Meaning in the Language of Flowers
In the language of flowers (aka floriography), the Bouvardia flower carries several symbolic meanings.
Historically, Bouvardia is most commonly associated with enthusiasm, passion, and zest for life. It symbolizes a lively and energetic spirit.
The Bouvardia flower also conveys creativity and artistic expression. It represents the ability to think unconventionally and pursue innovative ideas.
Interestingly, Bouvardia has also been symbolic of a secret, untold love. It can represent feelings that are not openly expressed but are deeply felt between two partners.
Traditionally, Bouvardia has also been utilized to express sentiments of gratitude and appreciation. It signifies thankfulness for someone’s presence or a gesture of kindness.
In general, Bouvarida is an uplifting flower in floriography,
Common Bouvardia Flower Colors and Their Symbolism

Bouvardia flowers range in color from creamy whites and yellows to pastel pinks and fiery reds. While the overall flower symbolism for bouvardia is a zest for life, the color of the flower can alter the meaning.
White Bouvardia Flower Meaning:
White represents purity and truth. When used in floral displays, white can represent elegance and modesty.
Red Bouvardia Flower Meaning:
Red flowers symbolize deep passion, desire, and strength and are often included in Valentine’s Day bouquets.
Yellow Bouvardia Flower Meaning:
Yellow is the color of the sun and brings with it lightheartedness, happiness, and joy. It can be used as a symbol of friendship, new beginnings, and well wishes.
Pink Bouvardia Flower Meaning:
Pink represents young love, youth, and innocence. Also, pink may symbolize romance when added to a wedding or holiday bouquet.
Suitable Gifting Occasions

The floral industry prizes Bouvardia flowers because they are readily available throughout the year, and the blooms are long-lasting. Interestingly, cut flowers last for 2 to 3 weeks in a vase. What’s more, the shape of the flowers and its evergreen foliage make this an excellent filler in large floral displays and contrast nicely with various other shapes and colors.
I think bouvardia is an appropriate flower for nearly any occasion, depending on the other flowers in the arrangement. They make an exceptional presentation for someone with a zest for life. Consider bouvardia for birthdays, graduations, promotions, or other celebrations of life.
Uses and Benefits of Bouvardia Flowers

- Bouvardia is prized as a cut flower or ornamental flower for garden beds. It is often included in wedding arrangements or other special occasion bouquets.
- Bouvardia can be grown as a houseplant. Look for varieties labeled as houseplants in nurseries and garden centers.
- It attracts bees and flying insects, making it a superb addition to flowerbeds to attract pollinators to summer gardens and fruiting trees and bushes.
- In traditional herbal medicine, some species of Bouvardia have been used for their potential medicinal properties. They have been employed as natural remedies for stomachaches, skin ailments, and diuretic effects. However, it’s important to note that further scientific research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety.
Bouvardia Flower FAQs:
What does Bouvardia mean?
According to floriography (the meaning and symbolism of flowers), bouvardia represents enthusiasm or a zest for life.
What does the Bouvardia flower symbolize?
Bouvardia flowers have various meanings, including enthusiasm, creativity, dedication, secret love, and gratitude. These symbolisms represent liveliness, artistic expression, loyalty, hidden emotions, and thankfulness.
Can Bouvardia flowers be used in special occasions?
Bouvardia flowers have been used in floriography, which uses flowers to convey messages and sentiments. Plus, bouvardia’s symbolism makes it a suitable choice for expressing various emotions or intentions through the language of flowers.
Bouvardia Flower Meaning – Wrapping Up
Growing bouvardia in the landscape is more common in the south, but it can also make a striking statement in northern gardens. Bouvardia flowers are rich in meaning and symbolism and are available in a colorful mix of hues, perfect for floral arrangements and ornamental gardens.