Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea spp., hyb., and cultivars. (NYCTAGINACEAE.)
Planting and Growing Bougainvillea
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow bougainvillea vines in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and berrylike fruit of orange jasmine, Chinese box, orange jessamine, or satinwood
- Growing conditions for bougainvillea
- When and where to plant bougainvillea
- How to plant bougainvillea
- How to shape, prune and control growth of bougainvillea
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of bougainvillea
- Landscape uses of bougainvillea
- Pest and disease control for bougainvillea
Growing Bougainvillea Vines
About 14 species and many hybrid cultivars of medium-growing, shrubby, vining, woody, evergreen shrubs, 20–30 ft. (6–9 m) long, armed with sharp, thorny spines. Alternate, smooth, deep green, oval, folded, pointed leaves, to 2-1/2-in. (63-mm) long.
Flowers and Fruit
Many insignificant flowers, surrounded by showy, vivid, crimson, pink, purple, orange, or yellow, paper-thin, petal-like, bracts, to 3 in. (75 mm) wide, in spring–autumn.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 7–11. Tender. Semi-hardy when established.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist to dry, well-drained soil. Fertility: Average. 6.5–7.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Spring in full to filtered sun, 4–5 ft. (1.2–1.5 m) apart, after frost hazard has passed and soil warms.
Proper Care
Moderate. Keep damp; drought tolerant when established. Fertilize quarterly. Tie to sturdy supports. Prune in early spring before growth begins to thin, direct growth, wearing sturdy gauntlet gloves to protect hands and forearms from prevalent sharp thorns. Protect from frost. Propagate by cuttings.
About This Species
Good choice for arbors, trellises in seaside, tropical gardens. Attracts birds, hummingbirds. Pest and disease resistant.
Warning:
Spines of Bougainvillea species are sharp and cause punctures and cuts. Wear gloves when pruning or tying vines.
Avoid planting near paths, entryways, or gates in gardens frequented by children and pets.