About

This robust evergreen climber can reach heights of over 6 meters. It features ovate foliage and produces clusters of small white blooms surrounded by large, coppery-orange bracts.

About the genus

Bougainvillea consists of climbing evergreen shrubs that may have thorns. They feature simple, oval-shaped leaves and bear clusters of small tubular flowers, each surrounded by three vibrant, oval bracts.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H2

Plant details

Plant type
Climber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
Habit
Climbing
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
8-12 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light; water freely in summer and keep just moist in winter. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. If container grown can be put outside in summer. Water sparingly in winter. May survive short spells down to 0°C if kept fairly dry, but preferred minimum temperature is 7-10°C. See bougainvillea cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 12
Propagation
Propagate by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings or layering
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids under glass
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to a rust, powdery mildews and a leaf spot