Attractive Purple Bougainvillea Flower Plant & Tree For Shru..More

Bougainvillea Plant Description

Bougainvillea is a vibrant, fast-growing ornamental plant known for its striking, colorful bracts—often mistaken for petals—that surround its small, inconspicuous white flowers. Native to South America, this tropical and subtropical plant thrives in warm climates and is popular in gardens, landscapes, and as decorative climbing vines.

Key Features:
Botanical Name: Bougainvillea spp.

Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four o'clock family)

Plant Type: Evergreen or deciduous vine, shrub, or tree (depending on climate and pruning)

Height: 10–40 feet (3–12 meters), depending on variety and growing conditions

Spread: Can spread widely when trained on trellises or fences

Leaves: Ovate, green, with a smooth or slightly hairy texture

Flowers: Tiny, tubular, white or cream-colored

Bracts: Papery, brightly colored structures in shades of magenta, purple, red, orange, pink, yellow, or white

Growth Habit: Climbing, sprawling, or trailing; often trained as topiaries, bonsai, or hedges

Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Full sun (minimum 5 hours direct sunlight daily)

Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil

Water: Drought-tolerant; prefers deep but infrequent watering

Temperature: Sensitive to frost; thrives in USDA zones 9–11

Maintenance: Requires regular pruning for shape and size control; minimal fertilization

Uses:
Ornamental landscaping (fences, pergolas, walls)

Container gardening and hanging baskets

Erosion control on slopes

Tropical and Mediterranean-style garden designs

Bougainvillea is prized for its intense color, low maintenance needs, and ability to quickly cover large areas, making it a favorite in warm-climate gardens.