Overview
Bougainvillea 'Elizabeth' (_spectabilis_ hybrid) is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Bougainvillea, part of the Nyctaginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Bougainvillea 'Elizabeth' (_spectabilis_ hybrid) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Bougainvillea 'Elizabeth' is a climbing evergreen shrub cultivar within the Bougainvillea genus, known for its simple, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of small tubular flowers surrounded by vibrant, oval bracts. This cultivar thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, well-drained loam soil that is neutral in pH and kept moist but well-drained. Suitable for conservatories and greenhouses in the UK, it is hardy to H2 and is best propagated by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings and layering. 'Elizabeth' is particularly notable in spring and summer.
About the genus
Bougainvillea is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees belonging to the family Nyctaginaceae. They are native to the tropical forests of South America. There are between 4 and 22 species in the genus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Bougainvillea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bougainvillea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bougainvillea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Bougainvillea 'Elizabeth' (_spectabilis_ hybrid) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bougainvillea 'Elizabeth' (_spectabilis_ hybrid)
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, hardwood cuttings, layering
- Pest resistance
- Whitefly, mealybug, aphid, red spider mite
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bougainvillea 'Elizabeth' (_spectabilis_ hybrid)?
Bougainvillea 'Elizabeth' (_spectabilis_ hybrid) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bougainvillea 'Elizabeth' (_spectabilis_ hybrid) need?
Bougainvillea 'Elizabeth' (_spectabilis_ hybrid) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Bougainvillea 'Elizabeth' (_spectabilis_ hybrid) hardy in the UK?
Bougainvillea 'Elizabeth' (_spectabilis_ hybrid) has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Bougainvillea 'Elizabeth' (_spectabilis_ hybrid)?
Semi-ripe cuttings, hardwood cuttings, layering.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
