A Proven Winners® variety, Bouvardia Estrellita Little Star™ is a deciduous shrub offering 3 seasons of interest. From spring through fall, the plant explodes in clusters of starry flowers bursting with brilliant color in shades of red, orange, and hot pink. The shrub blooms continuously without deadheading; and the nectar-rich flowers, a favorite of florists, attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
A Bouvardia hybrid, commonly called firecracker bush, Estrellita Little Star has a compact, upright habit of bright medium-green foliage. The shrub is a natural for perennial, pollinator, and cutting gardens and makes a gorgeous low hedge. It's also a great "filler" for container gardens.
Easy to grow, Bouvardia Estrellita Little Star grows best in sunny to partially sunny locations with average, well-draining soils, having an acidic pH. It is intolerant of wet soils and alkaline soils. The plant is deer resistant. For best overall results, fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs, following the recommended rate of application.
A native plant, Bouvardia Estrellita Little Star is indigenous to North America, growing naturally in the Southwest U.S. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.
