Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Nyctaginaceae
Botanical Name
BOUGAINVILLEA
Plant Common Name
Bougainvillea
General Description
The genus Bougainvillea comprises about 18 species. They are woody, scrambling, thorny vines, shrubs and small trees native to South America. The genus is named for Louis Antoine de Bougainville, a French explorer who sailed around the world in 1767 and discovered the plant in the area of Brazil. There are several commercially important species and hundreds of cultivated varieties.
Generally, these plants are evergreen but some may be semi-evergreen for a short time during winter. The leaves are simple, heart or oval-shaped with pointed tips. The branches are usually woody and often grow long and twine.
Bougainvilleas are grown for their garishly bright blooms. The true flowers are small, tubular and inconspicuous but are surrounded by large, bright, papery petal-like leaves called bracts. Large clusters of the blooms appear at the ends of the branches in abundance during the late winter and early spring. A few are produced all year round when conditions are right. The bracts come in practically all colors of the rainbow. The fruit, when present, is long and resembles a green bean.
Culture and hardiness is species dependent, but most bougainvilleas prefer sunny, warm conditions and require very well-drained soil. They tend to be drought tolerant, but look best with occasional applications of water. Be careful with water, fertilizer and pruning because too much of any of these will reduce or completely curb flowering.
Hot, tropical color and a tough habit make Bougainvillea popular plants for landscapes in frost-free climates. Plant form dictates use. Some are large rambling lianas while others are very compact. Bougainvillea may be planted as free-standing specimens, hedges, trailing vines or groundcover plants. They are also popular as container or greenhouse specimens where not hardy.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Native To
South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Bark Color
Green, Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Hedges, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical, Vine
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
