Bougainvillea spectabilis (Bougainvillea)

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Bougainvillea, Genus, spectabilis, Species,

Genus & species

bougainvillea

Nyctaginaceae Brazil

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

Waterlow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Bougainvillea spectabilis is a thorny flowering vine, growing 120–360 inches (300–900 cm). The colorful display consists of papery bracts (modified leaves) in magenta, purple, red, orange, pink, or white — the true flowers are small tubular white structures 0.5 inch (12 mm) hidden among the bracts. Each cluster contains 3 bracts surrounding 3 true flowers. The papery bracts persist for 4–6 weeks and retain color after drying. Scrambling vine with sharp thorns 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) along the stems — the thorns hook onto supports but the vine does not twine or produce aerial roots, so it requires tying to a trellis, arbor, or wall. Blooms in response to drought stress — overwatering and overfertilizing produce vegetative growth at the expense of bracts. A period of dry stress (reduced watering for 3–4 weeks) triggers a new flush of bract production. Named after French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who circumnavigated the globe in 1766–1769 and encountered the plant in Brazil. Native to Brazil. Full sun (8+ hours) — shade reduces bract production. Drought-tolerant — the roots resent disturbance and waterlogging. Root-bound container plants bloom more heavily. Frost-tender: foliage damage at 32°F (0°C). In the four o'clock family (Nyctaginaceae). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant (thorny). Growth rate is fast. Containers of 5+ gallons (20+ liters). Zones 9–11.

Native Range

Native to Brazil. Named after French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville. Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Suggested Uses

Grown on walls, trellises, arbors, and fences in zones 9–11 (tie to supports — no self-attachment). Containers of 5+ gallons (20+ liters) kept root-bound for heavier blooming. Full sun. Drought stress triggers flowering. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant (thorny).

How to Identify

Identified by masses of colorful papery bracts surrounding small tubular white true flowers on a thorny scrambling vine. The papery bract texture, the thorns, and the small true flowers hidden among the bracts are genus identifiers. Blooms in response to drought stress.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 30'

Width/Spread8' - 20'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~30 weeks

Flowers: March–November

Spring Summer Fall

Spring through fall in subtropics; year-round in tropics. Papery bracts persist 4–6 weeks per flush. Multiple flushes per year, triggered by drought stress cycles. Full sun and reduced water promote bract production.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Colored bracts: magenta, purple, red, orange, pink, white (true flowers are small white tubes)

Foliage Description

Medium green, ovate

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 8-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0 (Acidic to neutral)

3579

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (8+ hours). Drought stress triggers flowering — reduce watering for 3–4 weeks to initiate bract flushes. Overwatering produces foliage, not bracts. Sharp thorns — tie to supports (no self-attachment). Root-bound plants bloom more. Frost-tender at 32°F (0°C). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 9–11.

Pruning

Prune for shape and size in late winter. Cut back by one-third to one-half. Blooms on new growth — pruning promotes branching and more bract flushes. Sharp thorns require thick gloves. Pinch growing tips for bushier growth.

Pruning Schedule

Prune: February–March

winter