Meet the Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea | Bougainvillea spp.
How do you know it’s me?:
"Boo-gun-veel-ee-uh"
I am a woody vine with rough bark, and stems covered in long, thin thorns.
These thorns tend to be where the leaf attaches to the stem.
My actual flowers are tiny white tubes (usually bundled in groups of 3).
My flowers are surrounded by brightly colored bracts (or modified leaves).
I have alternate, evergreen leaves.
My leaves are heart-shaped to oval-shaped and can vary on the same plant.
How big do I grow?: 15’ - 40’ height and 15’ - 40’ spread.
Sun-seeker or shade-lover: Full sun
Where I prefer to put my roots: I can grow in a variety of soils, and prefer it a little dry and well-drained. I thrive in acidic soils and drought conditions and am salt tolerant, but don’t like wet feet.
Hardiness: Zone 9-11
Original home: I am native to South America.
Colors: Tropical warm hues - Yellow, red, pink, purple, white, and orange.
When I bloom: Year-round, but especially plentiful in the winter in warmer climates.
Wildlife friends: Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to my nectar-rich flowers.
Flora Fun Facts: I am famous for my abundant bright “flowers.” These are actually modified leaves, called “bracts,” that attract pollinators to the true flowers nestled within, which aren’t as showy.
More Info: The Bougainvillea embodies the tropics - with it's bright, papery flowers that tend to cascade over rooftops, across trellises, and along walls in great splashes of color. This tough and versatile plant is a member of the Nyctaginaceae family (or the four o'clock family).
Can be pruned into a shrub form, or trained to grow up fences, trellises, or other structures.
Best pruned in early spring, after the heaviest flower season. Be careful of the thorns!
Many, many varieties are available - generally varieties or hybrids between Bougainvillea spectabilis and Bougainvillea glabra.
Dwarf varieties are also available.
Can be grown as an annual in colder planting zones, or brought indoors over winter.
In some countries a tea is made from the flower to treat coughs and sore throats.
A symbol of beauty, passion, and sense of welcome.
