Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea glabra · Family Nyctaginaceae
Also known as: paper flower, bougainvillaea, lesser bougainvillea
- Light
- Full sun
- Watering
- Every 5 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Pet-safe
- No, keep it away from cats and dogs
Care
Where to put it
A sunny conservatory, or a sheltered sunny patio in summer.
Light
Needs full sun to produce its colourful bracts.
Watering
Water when the top of the compost is dry; slightly dry roots boost flowering.
About the plant
A vigorous climber in intense colours, widely used on walls, pergolas and as bonsai. The coloured parts are bracts surrounding small white flowers. It flowers more when under mild drought stress.
Origin
Native to Brazil, on forest edges and in open, sunny areas.
What it likes
- Full sun
- Free-draining soil
- Moderate watering
What it dislikes
- Too much water
- Shade
- High-nitrogen fertiliser
Did you know?
The name honours French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville, whose expedition recorded it in Rio de Janeiro.
