Bougainvilleas are native to tropical and subtropical South America, but can be grown in most places with minimal threats of frost. The showy petal-like structures that a generally mistaken to be flowers are actually modified leaves called bracts that subtend the true flowers. Although these plants are considered climbers, their climbing is limited because they do not have twining stems or tendrils. Their thorny stems are used to "bramble" over other plants or hillsides. The genus name is derived from the French Navy admiral, Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who encountered the plant in Brazil in 1768.
Bougainvillea is native to South America from Brazil west to Peru and south to southern Argentina. Bougainvilleas are popular ornamental plants in most areas with warm climates, including Indonesia, India, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, the Mediterranean region, the Caribbean, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama, South Africa, the southern United States and Hawaii.
| Plant Types: | Perennial, Shrub |
| Light: | Full Sun |
| Height: | 15 feet to 25 feet |
| Width: | 25 feet to 35 feet |
| Zones: | 9a to 15b |
| Bloom Color: | Lavender, Orange, Purple, Red, Yellow |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall, Late fall, Early winter, Mid winter, Late winter |
| Leaf Color: | Green, Variegated |
| Special Features: | Not North American native |
| Shape: | Rounded, Spreading or horizontal |
| Type of Soil Preferred: | Acidic, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly-Alkaline, Well-Drained |
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Bougainvilleas should be planted in early spring after any danger of frost has past. When planting a Bougainvillea, it is imperative to not disrupt the roots that have already established in the container. When planting, cut the bottom of the pot off and place the plant and root ball that is inside the container into the planting hole. Slide the pot over the plant. Do not worry about damaging the shoots.
Bougainvilleas require heat to truly succeed. Plants should be grown against a south-facing, warm wall or the warmest part of the garden. These plants are fast growing vines that can reach 15 to 30' depending on the variety.
Bougainvilleas will reach their peaks in blooming in mid-summer. Areas that have the mildest winters will have Bougainvilleas flowering from spring through fall.
Bougainvilleas can be induced to flower by not watering them for a short period of time so that the soil dries out. Do this in late spring or early summer. The idea is not to let them die from underwatering, but to provide a slight drought stress.
A Bougainvillea that has deep green leaves and lacks flowers may have too much nitrogen in the soil. Flower production can be promoted by leaching out some of the nitrogen and then replacing the nutrients with a fertilizer that has relatively more potassium and phosphorus.
Plant is not fussy about soil type but does best with good drainage. Bougainvilleas need moderate to regular water. During the spring provide ample water, but as they begin to flower decrease the rate of watering.
Bougainvilleas should be fertilized at the beginning of the growing season and then once per month until temperatures begin to cool at the end of the growing season.
Prune after flowering. To reduce size, prune out all dead wood.
Bougainvillea plants are susceptible to snails and should be controlled.