Bougainvillea aka Bougainvillea

Taxonomy

Bougainvillea, pronounced BOO-gən-VIL-ee-ə (or BOH- in the US), is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees that belong to the Nyctaginaceae family, also known as the four o'clock family. Native to eastern South America, specifically from Brazil to Peru, and south to southern Argentina, this stunning plant is known for its large, colorful sepal-like bracts that surround three simple waxy flowers. It has gained popularity as an ornamental plant and is often referred to as a flowering machine due to its rapid growth and abundant flower production. With a range of 4 to 22 accepted species in the genus, Bougainvillea can take the form of compact and bushy shrubs, growing up to 60cm tall. During summer, these plants bear papery, petal-like bracts in shades of pink and purple. While they require the protection of a temperate glasshouse or conservatory, potted Bougainvillea plants can be moved outside during the summer months. Hailing from Central and South America, Bougainvillea is commonly cultivated in regions such as South Florida, Arizona, South Texas, and Southern California. It is sometimes referred to as Paper Flower and is considered a representative of the Nyctaginaceae family. Depending on the species or variety, Bougainvillea can reach heights ranging from 8 to 30 feet (2.5 to 9 meters). This gorgeous and vibrant plant is perfect for adding a touch of beauty to any garden.

Common names

Bougainvillea, Bougainvillea Kini, Bougainvillea Miski, Bougainvillea Panda

How to care for Bougainvillea

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Bougainvillea, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Bougainvillea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bougainvillea loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Bougainvillea requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Bougainvillea Panda is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Bougainvillea plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.


More info:
Wikipedia