Accession Count: 53
Common Name:
fragrant bougainvillea
Family Name:
Nyctaginaceae
Botanical Name:
Bougainvillea spinosa
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Bou spi
Geographic Origin:
South America
Ecozone Origin:
Neotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Bougainvillea is named for Admiral Louis de Bougainvillea who traveled across the Pacific Ocean in 1768 (1). Bougainvillea is cultivated in many South American countries (1). Bougainvillea thrives in hot, tropical climates and is often used as an ornamental plant (2). It is ideal for warm climates year-round and it is often used to decorate fences, walls, and patios because it blooms brilliantly colored flowers (2).
Cultivation Notes:
Bougainvillea grows best in well-drained loamy soil (3). They grow best in warm, tropical climates but need protections from direct sunlight (4). Bougainvillea should be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. Seeds should be planted in a pot or near a wall (3). Since Bougainvillea is a vine and needs something to grow on, a trellis or pillar should be provided for support (4). Bougainvillea’s watering needs to correlate with climate, soil type, plant size, and weather conditions. They require little watering, but also require a thorough watering when needed (3).
Ethnobotany:
Bougainvillea is used solely for the purposes of the decoration of a wall, patio, plaza, or trellis (2). The sap of the Bougainvillea plant is poisonous to humans, causing very serious skin rashes if it comes in contact (3). Bougainvillea grows best among warm, tropical climates, and creates shade in a beautiful way under a trellis or growing along a wall (4).
Height:
16 - 20 feet
Width:
16 - 20 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Purple
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
