bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a genus of thorny ornamental vines in the plant family Nyctaginaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America from Brazil to Peru. The genus is named after Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, a French explorer.

Bougainvillea plants are vigorous, woody climbers or shrubs with thorny stems and simple, alternate leaves. The true flowers are small and usually inconspicuous, while the colorful display comes from papery bracts that surround the flowers. Bracts range in color from magenta, pink, and red to purple, orange, and white, forming striking clusters.

Cultivation and care: Bougainvillea prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates drought but is sensitive to frost, making it a staple in tropical and warm-subtropical landscapes. In temperate regions it is often grown as an annual or kept as a container plant or perennial indoors during winter. Pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages new growth and flowering; it can be trained on walls, fences, pergolas, or used as a hedge. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, depending on the cultivar.

Propagation is commonly by softwood cuttings or layering. Common pests include aphids, caterpillars, mealybugs, and scale; bougainvillea mosaic virus can affect some plants and may cause leaf and bract distortion. Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot.

Uses and significance: Bougainvillea is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for outdoor walls, fences, arches, and containers in warm climates. The vibrant bracts are valued for year-round color in tropical and subtropical gardens; in some regions it is also used as a drought-tolerant hedge or screening plant.