Bougainvillea.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Evergreen woody vine

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

15 to 30 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 9 to 11

Bloom time

Spring to autumn

Care

Give this plant as much direct sunlight as possible to encourage those beautiful blooms. Keep the soil well drained and watch for wilting, which is a sign it needs a deep drink. If the plant stops flowering, it usually means it needs more light or a bit of stress from drying out.

Watering

Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Feeding

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season to support heavy blooming.

Pruning

Trim back long stems after a flowering cycle to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Repotting

Repot when the roots become crowded or the plant outgrows its container.

Soil

Well draining sandy or loamy soil

Soil pH

5.5 to 6.0

Temperature

10 to 38°C

Humidity

30 to 50%

Safety

People

The sap can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Pets

The sap can cause skin irritation, and the thorns may cause injury to curious pets.

Children

Keep children away from the sharp, woody thorns found along the stems.

Contact allergens

The sharp thorns can cause mechanical injury and the sap may trigger skin irritation.

Airborne allergens

There is no significant evidence of airborne pollen allergies from this plant.

Edibility

The plant is not considered edible and ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress.

How to identify it

• Vibrant papery bracts in bright colors
• Thorny woody stems and branches
• Small white tubular flowers
• Alternate simple green leaves

Height

1.5 to 9m

Spread

1.5 to 6m

Leaves

green, evergreen

Flowers

pink, purple, red, white, orange, yellow, 2 to 5cm

Common problems

• Aphids — Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.
• Root rot — Fungal decay caused by overly wet soil conditions.

• Why is my bougainvillea not flowering?
• What are these bugs on my bougainvillea?
• Why is my bougainvillea wilting and looking sick?

Growing it

Propagation

cuttings, layering

When to plant

spring

Pair with other drought tolerant plants that enjoy full sun to simplify your watering schedule.

Grows well with

• Lantana — They share similar high light and low water requirements.
• Hibiscus — They provide a classic tropical aesthetic when planted together.

Similar species

• Paperflower — It is a very common species with similar growth habits.

Science

Family

Nyctaginaceae

Genus

Bougainvillea

Order

Caryophyllales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Tropical South America

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

It survives in dry, rocky environments by developing deep roots and tolerating intense heat.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

butterflies, hummingbirds

Uses

ornamental climber, container plant, hedging, topiary

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why is my plant not blooming?

It likely needs more direct sunlight or is receiving too much nitrogen fertilizer.

How often should I water it?

Water thoroughly when the soil is dry, but allow it to dry out significantly between waterings.

Where the name comes from

The genus was named by Philibert Commerçon to honor the French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville who discovered it in Brazil.

Good to know

• Bougainvillea is named after French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville.
• It thrives in poor soil as long as it has excellent drainage.
• The plant is native to tropical South America.
• It is a member of the Nyctaginaceae family.
• It requires intense sunlight to produce its vibrant bracts.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs