Supplemental care and marketing tips: It is chill sensitive, so hold at proper temperatures. Postharvest performance differs greatly among the many cultivars marketed. Learn cuhivar names and buy the best.

Botanical name: Bouvardia spp.

Genus pronunciation: boo-VAR-de-a

Common relatives: Coffee, gardenia, sweet woodruff and gallure

Botanical fun facts: The species is named after Charles Bouvard, 1572-1658, physician to Louis XIII and superintendent of the Royal Gardens in Paris.

Ethylene sensitive: It is ethylene sensitive.

Storage temperature (3 days or fewer): 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit *
Storage temperature (more than 3 days): 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit *
(* The optimum storage temperature is not documented sufficiently by research. Estimations are based on plant origin, storage temperature information of similar species and general observations.)

Purchasing hints: Purchase when one or two flowers are just opening per stem.

End-user life: 7 - 14 days

Special concerns: Bouvardia is leaf yellowing and wilt sensitive. In some markets a special fresh-flower food formulation is sold which can reduce leaf yellowing. Recut stems underwater and use good sanitation procedures to reduce the chances of wilted flowers.

Care and Handling information is from the "Flower and Plant Care Manual", Written by George Staby, Ph.D., Used with the permission of publisher, The Society of American Florists, 1601 Duke St., Alexandria, VA. 22314-3406.