Bougainvillea glabra
paper flower
A virgorous climber with semi-glossy leaves to 13cm long. In summer it bears flowers formed of papery, petal-like magenta bracts. It requires the protection of a temperate glasshouse or conservatory, although potted plants can be moved outside in the summer months
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Nyctaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Genus
Bougainvillea are scandent evergreen shrubs, sometimes thorny, with simple ovate leaves and clusters of small tubular flowers each enclosed by 3 showy, brightly coloured ovate bracts
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in large pots of peat-free, loam-based compost, or directly into the conservatory border. Bougainvilleas need a bright position but protect them from direct summer sun. Containerised plants can be moved outside for summer. Increase watering from spring as the plants start back into active growth and apply a balanced liquid feed until the bracts show colour, then switch to a high potassium feed. Decrease watering and cease feeding in autumn. Maintain a minimum night temperature of 10°C. See bougainvillea cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by layering in early spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
See pruning group 12
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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