Overview
Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer' is a plant with a climbing, spreading habit in the genus Bougainvillea, part of the Nyctaginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include climber, container plant and bonsai.
About
Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer' is a climbing, spreading evergreen in the Nyctaginaceae, notable for the sepal-like bracts that surround its small flowers. It is grown as a climber, in containers and for bonsai. The plant favours a south-facing, sheltered position in full sun and performs best in neutral loam kept on the dry side. In the UK it is rated H4 (average) and flowers from June to October.
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
In the garden
A cultivar of bougainvillea, Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer' belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae and shares the genus's thorny, vine-like habit and conspicuous sepal-like bracts that frame modest individual flowers. The genus originates in tropical South America, and this cultivar keeps the evergreen leaf habit where conditions allow. Plant on a south-facing, sheltered wall where it receives full sun; such a situation helps ripen growth and encourages flowering between June and October. Use a free-draining neutral loam and avoid waterlogged conditions — this cultivar tolerates a dry root run more readily than constant moisture. In the UK it carries an H4 rating (average), so choose a protected spot and avoid exposed sites that face north or strong winds. Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer' suits training as a climber over pergolas or walls, and will also respond well in a large container or as a bonsai subject where roots can be confined. When grown against warm masonry it tends to flower more reliably; containers can be moved to a more sheltered microclimate for winter if your garden lacks a protected aspect. Allowing a woody framework of stems helps manage its spreading habit and concentrates flowering on new, sun-exposed shoots.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bougainvillea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Dry
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Climbing, Spreading
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Climber, Container plant, Bonsai
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer'
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Whitefly, Mealybug, Aphid, Red spider mite
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer'?
Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer' need?
Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer' hardy in the UK?
Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Bougainvillea 'Michael Lemmer'?
Semi-ripe cuttings.
