Bouncing Bulb

Bouncing Bulb
Species information
Sentience	Sentient
Stem	Purple bulb
Leaves	Long and green
Distinction(s)	Locomotive plant Extremely difficult to pot
Usage	Potion-making Herbology
Status	Extant

" […] one of the Bouncing Bulbs wriggled free from Harry's grip and smacked him hard in the face."

— Description

A Bouncing Bulb was a magical plant which jumps around if it is not restrained.

Description

The Bouncing Bulb's main stem was a disproportionate purple bulb, with a bunch of leaves growing on the top. Young Bouncing Bulbs were small enough to handle, but mature ones could reach the size of doorways.

Bouncing Bulbs could be aggressive when they felt threatened; they jumped towards the possible attacker and tried to hit it. A simple Knockback Jinx could stop a young Bulb, but a mature one would require using the Fire-Making Spell (Incendio) to wither it, because it was much stronger.

Bouncing Bulbs were a necessary ingredient in the Pompion Potion, a potion which encased the drinker's head in a pumpkin.

History

When she was a child, Beatrix Bloxam was left deeply shaken by parts of a scandalous story she overheard, involving her uncle Nobby, a hag who lived nearby, and a sack of Bouncing Bulbs.

During the 19th century, an unidentified Dark wizard attempted to take over the British Ministry of Magic with some Chinese Chomping Cabbages, but he was stopped by Helen Thistlewood, an Auror, who was armed only with a basket of Bouncing Bulbs.

"Watch yourselves today, as we learn about the ever volatile Bouncing Bulb. The only way to control it is to keep it restrained. Keep a firm grip, unless you enjoy chasing plants around. Please pay close attention to how I handle the Bouncing Bulb and avoid injury."

— Professor Sprout to her sixth-year Herbology students

Jacob's sibling observing a Bouncing Bulb in Herbology

Bouncing Bulbs were covered in a sixth-year Herbology class in the 1989–1990 school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by Professor Pomona Sprout.

Professor Sprout had fourth-year Herbology students re-pot these plants on 2 November 1994; one broke free of Harry Potter's grasp and struck him in the face.

Bouncing Bulbs were mentioned in an advert for the Toots, Shoots 'n' Roots radio programme printed in Rumours!. The advert copy asked, "Bouncing bulbs losing height?", among other things.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game) (PS1 version)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game) (PS1 version)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Pottermore (Mentioned only)
• Wizarding World (Mentioned only)
• J. K. Rowling's official site (Mentioned only)
• The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
• Hogwarts Legacy (Mentioned only)