Bougainvillea

Scientific Name: Bougainvillea glabra

Plant Family: Nyctaginaceae

Native Region: South America (Brazil, Peru, and Argentina); now naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Bougainvillea

Brief Description

A thorny, woody vine or shrub known for its vibrant, papery bracts that surround small white flowers. The leaves are heart-shaped or oval and alternate along the stems.

Care Instructions

Requires full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and performs best when allowed to dry out between waterings. Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a high-potassium fertilizer to encourage blooming.

Medicinal Value

We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.

Sunlight

Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day for optimal blooming.

Watering

Deep but infrequent watering. Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out. Over-watering can lead to root rot and fewer blooms.

Soil

Well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5). It is sensitive to peat-heavy soils that retain too much moisture.

Hardiness Zone

9-11; very frost-sensitive and should be brought indoors or protected in colder climates.

Growth Habit

Perennial evergreen vine or shrub. Can climb 15-40 feet or be kept as a container plant. Fast-growing in warm conditions.

Bloom Season

Spring through fall in cooler climates; year-round in tropical areas. Blooms consist of tiny white tubes surrounded by colorful pink, red, or purple bracts.

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to humans if ingested; the sap can cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis. Thorns can cause physical injury.

Propagation

Typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings or tip cuttings in early summer using rooting hormone.

Common Pests & Issues

Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Leaf spot can occur in humid environments. Lack of blooming is usually due to over-watering or insufficient light.

Similar Species

Mandevilla (lacks thorns, different flower shape) and Tecoma capensis (different leaf structure).

Interesting Facts

What most people call flowers are actually modified leaves called bracts; the true flowers are the tiny white centers. It was named after Louis Antoine de Bougainville, a French Navy admiral.

Created At: 2026-05-19T18:04:13.960827