Bougainvillea glabra aka Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea glabra is a woody vine that climbs. It belongs to the four-o'clock family, Nyctaginaceae. Its common names are paper flower and lesser bougainvillea. It comes from Brazil, including the east and south. It grows in forests and scrub, including moist forests. It now grows wild in Hawaii and parts of Texas and Florida. Plants can also grow as shrubs or trees.

Garden plants reach about 10–26 feet [3–8 metres] tall. They spread 6–13 feet [1.8–4 metres] wide. NC State lists smaller sizes than the RHS garden range. Useful Tropical Plants reports stems over 23 feet [7 metres]. The plant grows fast, with branches that arch, spread, or climb. Curved thorns help stems grip plants near them. Garden vines may need ties and a fence or pergola. Plants keep all or some leaves, depending on conditions. Glossy green leaves grow one after another along the stem. Each leaf is simple, with one blade rather than leaflets. Leaves are often oval and have a wavy edge. Most lack hairs, but some have fine hairs.

Bracts give the plant its bright show of color. These leaves have changed form and surround the flowers. The flowers are much smaller, pale, and shaped like tubes. Bracts come in pink, red, purple, and magenta tones. Each flower tube has five clear angles. Garden accounts report blooms in spring and summer. In humid tropical sites, blooms can last through much of the year. The long fruit is an achene with a hard, dry coat. It is less than half an inch long. Bees and butterflies visit, and the plant draws birds too.

Full sun helps the plant bloom well. Use soil that drains well, and avoid standing water. Water deeply, then let the soil dry before watering again. Plants can cope with drought once they have settled in. The RHS says to shield glasshouse plants from harsh summer sun. Frost can harm or kill the plant. NC State lists USDA zones 9–11. The RHS rates it H1C. In Britain, it needs a greenhouse or conservatory in winter. Plants in pots can spend summer outdoors. Prune after bloom to control the shape.

It suits pots, walls, hedges, barriers, and ground cover. Thorns can hurt people who brush against the stems. Alkaline soil may turn leaves yellow. Spider mites and mealybugs can attack glasshouse plants. Aphids and whiteflies can attack them too. The RHS reports few disease problems. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food uses or hazards. This does not mean the plant is safe to eat. Sources record folk uses as medicine and to kill insects. People use its soft wood for fuel and simple rural buildings. The wood does not last long.