When bougainvillea is mentioned, people often envision its vibrant, paper-like "flowers." However, these are not true petals; the actual flowers are tiny and inconspicuous, hidden within. What we see as colorful are actually "bracts," modified leaves that the plant has evolved to attract pollinators. These showy bracts are what make bougainvillea so striking. It belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family and is native to South America, particularly Brazil. Due to its tenacious vitality and exceptional beauty, it is now widely popular in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

The bougainvillea family is vast, encompassing many different species and cultivated varieties, each with unique growth habits, bract colors, and specific characteristics. To choose the right bougainvillea for your garden or landscape design, understanding these differences between varieties is crucial.

Growth Habits: Primarily Bush and Climbing Types

While bougainvillea is famous for its rampant climbing habit, especially some common varieties, many can actually be pruned and trained into bush or small tree forms. Determining whether a variety is "bush type" or "climbing type" depends on both its inherent genetic traits and diligent horticultural pruning and management.

• Climbing Bougainvillea:

  Most wild species and many popular cultivated varieties are natural climbers. Their branches are long and flexible, capable of growing upwards along trellises, arches, walls, or other structures. The sharp, hooked thorns on their branches act like tiny claws, helping them firmly grasp supports. These varieties can grow very large, spreading out to form spectacular cascades of flowers, creating breathtaking scenery. However, proper care requires regular pruning to control the plant's size and shape, and typically involves setting up support structures to guide their growth as desired.

• Bush Bougainvillea:

  Some bougainvillea varieties are naturally more compact and upright, able to stand on their own, forming dense shrub clusters without sprawling. We typically refer to these as "bush type" or "dwarf type" bougainvillea. Even originally climbing varieties can be "tamed" into a bush-like form with careful pruning. This involves continuously trimming long, errant branches and encouraging the growth of side shoots, making the entire plant appear more rounded and full. Bush type bougainvillea are particularly suitable for hedges, potted plants, or as standalone accent plants. They offer the same brilliant colors without requiring complex support structures, making them easier to maintain.

Bract Colors: A Dazzling Palette

The most striking feature of bougainvillea is undoubtedly its astonishing bract colors—a true visual feast! These colors do not originate from petal pigments but from anthocyanins and other pigments within the bracts. I've found that the intensity and hue of the colors can be influenced by light intensity, soil pH, and the overall health of the plant.

• Pink and Magenta:

  These are the most classic and popular colors, ranging from soft pastels to deep, vibrant magentas. For example, 'Barbara Karst' is known for its vivid magenta, while 'Imperial Delight' displays beautiful pinks with white flecks, along with many local varieties that are equally enchanting.

• Red:

  Fiery and intense, these varieties create a strong visual impact. 'San Diego Red' (also known as 'Scarlett O’Hara') is a famous example, with its pure, deep red bracts, radiating passion.

• Purple and Violet:

  From delicate lavender to rich deep purples, the choices are diverse. 'Royal Purple' and 'Glabra' (a common purple-bracted variety) are excellent examples, both particularly charming.

• Orange and Yellow:

  Warm and sunny, these colors add a tropical flair to any garden. 'Orange Glow' and 'Golden Glow' are good representatives, with colors ranging from soft apricot to bright golden yellow, uplifting the mood.

• White and Cream:

  Elegant and striking, especially when they contrast sharply with lush green foliage, they provide a perfect finishing touch. 'Jamaica White' and 'Miss Universe' are known for their pure white bracts, exuding a clean and refined beauty.

• Bicolor and Variegated Varieties:

  Some varieties feature bracts with two distinct colors or change color over time. Other varieties have variegated leaves, which are highly ornamental even when not in bloom. 'Raspberry Ice' (pink bracts, variegated leaves) is a popular variegated variety, impressive for its unique characteristics.

Beyond Growth Habit and Color: Other Features to Note

In addition to primary growth habits and bract colors, different bougainvillea varieties possess other characteristics that also influence our choice of their use.

• Thorns:

  Most bougainvillea branches have sharp, hooked thorns, which can vary in size and density. However, some new varieties are being developed to have fewer thorns for easier maintenance.

• Flowering Period:

  Bougainvillea is renowned for its extended flowering period, often blooming for months in warm climates. The frequency and duration of flowering vary among different varieties; some bloom almost year-round, while others have more distinct flowering cycles. In my experience, they usually need a relatively dry or "stressed" period to initiate abundant blooming.

• Leaves:

  Although we primarily grow bougainvillea for its spectacular bracts, the leaves also contribute to the plant's overall aesthetic appeal. Most bougainvillea leaves are green and oval-shaped. However, some varieties have variegated foliage, typically with creamy or yellow edges, which are highly ornamental even when not in bloom.

• Hardiness:

  Bougainvillea generally thrives in USDA Zones 9-11, preferring full sun and well-draining soil. They are very sensitive to frost; while some varieties are more tolerant of cooler temperatures than others, prolonged exposure to freezing conditions can damage or even kill the plant, which is important to note.

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  Bougainvillea are relatively robust plants, typically showing strong resistance to most common pests and diseases. However, if the plant is under stress, it may occasionally be affected by aphids, scale insects, or leaf spot diseases.