Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea buttiana
Bougainvillea glabra
Bougainvillea peruviana
Bougainvillea spectabilis

The bougainvillea (Genus Bougainvillea) is a thorny woody flowering vine native to the Amazonian rain forest of South America. Its name is derived from that of Louis Antoine de Bougainville, a French military officer who discovered the plant in Brazil in 1768.

A wildly popular plant in Southern California, South Texas, Florida, the Caribbean, and other areas with tropical or warm climates, the flower colors include pink, magenta, purple, red, orange, white and yellow. The actual flower of the plant is small and generally white. Clusters of three flowers are surrounded by three or six bracts that sport the bright colors associated with the plant. Bougainvillea are sometimes referred to as "paper flowers" because the bracts are thin and papery.

Bougainvillea are rapid growing and flower all year in warm climates, especially when pinched or pruned. Bloom cycles are typically four to six week. Bougainvillea grow best in very bright full sun and with frequent fertilization, but the plant requires little water to flower. If overwatered, bougainvillea will not flower and may lose leaves or wilt. Bougainvillea are relatively pest-free plants, but may suffer from worms and aphids.

There are numerous bougainvillea varieties and hybrids, including nearly thornless shrubs. Bougainvillea are sterile and are propagated from cuttings.