Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Scientific Name: Bougainvillea spp.
Common Names: Bougainvillea, Paper Flower
Pronunciation: boo-guhn-vi-lee-uh
Native to: South America (Brazil, Peru, Argentina)
Lighting Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily for best flowering)
Height: 20 to 30 feet when growing within its hardiness zones
Width: 10 to 15 feet (can spread widely if not managed)
Winter Look: Deciduous in Central Texas
Seasonal Interest: Showy, vibrant bracts in shades of magenta, purple, red, orange, yellow, or white surrounding small, inconspicuous flowers; blooms year-round in tropical climates, with peak displays in spring and summer
Drought Tolerance: High; thrives in dry conditions once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil with low fertility; tolerates poor soils
pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9–11; can be grown in containers and brought indoors in cooler zones
Deer Resistance: Moderate; deer typically avoid it due to its thorns (they will eat the leaves if they think it's worth it, though)
Attracts: Hummingbirds and other pollinators
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested; thorns can cause skin irritation or injury
Potential Issues: Can become invasive in warm climates; thorny stems can make pruning challenging; prone to root rot in poorly drained soils and fungal issues in high humidity
Notes: Bougainvillea is a stunning plant known for its vibrant, paper-like bracts that create eye-catching displays. The plant thrives in hot, sunny locations and requires minimal care once established. Regular pruning helps manage its size and encourages bushier growth and more blooms.
While drought-tolerant, Bougainvillea flowers best with moderate, infrequent watering and thrives in well-drained soils. Its thorny stems offer natural protection but require care during handling and pruning. In cooler climates, it can be grown as a seasonal container plant and overwintered indoors, where it can continue to bloom under bright light.
The flowers on these plants are quite small. The colorful bracts are what we grow them for. We certainly don't grow them for their thorns (unless you have a daughter; plant one right outside her window!).
These plants do well when left to dry out between watering. They seem to like having their roots pretty tight, so don't plant them in a huge pot right away. Bougainvilleas love their special fertilizer blends. Look for NuriStar/ColorStar Bougainvillea Food.