Description:
About fourteen species of Bougainvillea are native to South America.
They are sprawling shrubs and trees. Hybrid bougainvillea is a staple of warm climate
gardens around the world. Most hybrids are large, spiny, sprawling shrubs and
vines with stems reaching twenty or more feet in height. They flower
prolifically, usually during the dry season. Small, white tubular flowers are surrounded
by big, colorful bracts. Depending on the cultivar, these bracts may be white,
gold, orange, lavender, pink, purple, or scarlet red.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun
Water: very drought tolerant
Soil: a well-drained soil, no other special requirements
In Jacksonville,
bougainvillea must be at its winter temperature limits. It is more reliable in
the southern parts of town than the north side. Grow it on a south or southeast
facing wall for winter cold protection. Protect the trunk when winter
temperatures drop below 20 F.
