Bougainvillea is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees belonging to the four o’ clock family, Nyctaginaceae. They are native to Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Argentina. There are between 4 and 22 species in the genus. The inflorescence consists of large colourful sepal-like bracts which surround three simple waxy flowers, gaining popularity for the plant as an ornamental.
The plant was first discovered by Europeans during the 18th century. The French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who circumnavigated the globe from 1766 to 1769, is credited with its discovery. During his expedition, the plant was found in Brazil by his botanist, Philibert Commerçon.
The genus was named “Bougainvillea” in honor of Louis Antoine de Bougainville. Interestingly, it was actually Commerçon’s companion, Jeanne Baret, who was likely the first European woman to have seen it, though at the time, she was disguised as a man due to the era’s restrictions on women in such roles.
They are are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Bougainvillea is adaptable to many soil conditions and will tolerate drought. When grown as an indoor potted plant or a container plant on a patio outdoors, bougainvillea does well when allowed to trail in a hanging basket or given a support inside its pot. In regions with cold winters, an indoor plant can be moved outdoors during spring and summer once nighttime temperatures remain above 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bougainvillea is also cultivated worldwide where climates permit. There are numerous cultivars and hybrids, offering a variety of colors like purple, red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. Despite its beauty, Bougainvillea can be invasive in some environments because it grows rapidly and can overwhelm native plants.
Types of Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst’
- Description: Vibrant, bright red bracts that appear almost year-round in ideal conditions.
- Origin: Named after Barbara Karst, though the exact origin of this cultivar isn’t widely documented; likely developed in nurseries specializing in Bougainvillea breeding.
Bougainvillea ‘San Diego Red’
- Description: Deep red bracts with a vigorous, sprawling growth habit.
- Origin: Developed or popularized in the San Diego area, USA, known for its suitable climate for Bougainvilleas.
Bougainvillea ‘Afterglow’
- Description: Starts with yellow-orange bracts that fade to pink. Has a loose, open growth.
- Origin: The exact origin isn’t well-documented, but it’s part of the spectrum of color-changing varieties.
Bougainvillea ‘Golden Glow’
- Description: Bracts begin as a vivid gold or yellow, sometimes aging with a pinkish hue.
- Origin: Also known as ‘Hawaiian Gold’, likely developed in Hawaii or another tropical region for its distinctive color.
Bougainvillea ‘Raspberry Ice’
- Description: Magenta-red bracts with variegated green and cream leaves.
- Origin: The variety is appreciated for its foliage; likely a result of horticultural efforts in the USA or Australia where variegated plants are popular.
Bougainvillea ‘Purple Queen’
- Description: Deep purple bracts, vigorous climber, great for covering large areas.
- Origin: Developed for its striking color, with origins possibly tracing back to nurseries in tropical or subtropical regions.
Bougainvillea ‘Ms. Alice’
- Description: White bracts, nearly thornless, making it safe for high-traffic areas.
- Origin: Also known as ‘Singapore White’, likely developed in Singapore or Southeast Asia where urban landscaping favors thornless varieties.
Bougainvillea ‘Orange King’
- Description: Unique for its bronze to orange bracts, less common but visually appealing.
- Origin: Its origin might be linked to enthusiasts or breeders in regions like Florida or California where exotic colors are sought after.
Bougainvillea ‘Vera Deep Purple’
- Description: Known for very deep, almost velvety purple bracts.
- Origin: This cultivar’s development could be traced to European or American nurseries focusing on intensifying Bougainvillea colors.
Bougainvillea ‘Pixie Queen’
- Description: A dwarf variety with pink bracts, suitable for smaller gardens or pots.
- Origin: Likely bred for smaller urban spaces, possibly in Australia or the USA where container gardening is popular.
Bougainvillea ‘Sundown Orange’
- Description: Bracts change from orange to coral to pink, offering a dynamic color show.
- Origin: Its color-changing trait suggests it was developed by breeders looking for novel color patterns, perhaps in Florida or California.
Bougainvillea ‘Helen Johnson’
- Description: Ideal for bonsai due to its dwarf nature, with bracts in coppery-red.
- Origin: Helen Johnson was likely a breeder or enthusiast; this variety suits the art of bonsai, possibly from the USA or Japan.
Bougainvillea ‘Scarlett O’Hara’
- Description: Often confused with other reds but typically has a unique vibrancy and growth habit.
- Origin: Named for its dramatic flair, suggesting origins tied to American culture or nurseries.
Bougainvillea ‘Lady Baring’
- Description: Large, bright yellow bracts, providing a sunny disposition to gardens.
- Origin: Named possibly after a historical figure or a supporter of botany; exact cultivation origins are unclear but likely from a tropical zone.
Bougainvillea ‘Delta Dawn’
- Description: Pink and cream variegated bracts, providing a softer, pastel appearance in the garden.
- Origin: Likely developed by breeders aiming for a unique color palette, with no specific origin widely recognized but popular in nursery trades in warmer climates.
Bougainvillea ‘Bambino Baby Sophia’
- Description: A smaller plant with vibrant orange bracts, suitable for limited spaces.
- Origin: Part of the ‘Bambino’ series bred for compact growth, potentially from Australia where the ‘Bambino’ series was developed.
Bougainvillea ‘Juanita Hatten’
- Description: Features a mix of red and pink bracts, known for a marbling effect.
- Origin: This could be named after someone involved in horticulture or a customer’s request, with cultivation likely in the USA or Europe where variegated blooms are appreciated.
Bougainvillea ‘Poulton’s Special’
- Description: Known for its magenta-rose bracts, with a robust growth habit.
- Origin: The name suggests it might be named after a person or place, perhaps developed by a dedicated breeder or nursery.
Bougainvillea ‘Temple Fire’
- Description: A shrub-like variety with smaller stature, bracts range from copper to red.
- Origin: Its compact form suggests origins in regions where space might be limited, like Japan or urban areas in the USA.
Bougainvillea spectabilis ‘Brazilian Flame’
- Description: As the name suggests, it has flame-like bracts in shades of red to orange.
- Origin: Brazil, due to its name, where Bougainvillea thrives and new cultivars might be developed for local or export markets.
Bougainvillea ‘Mary Palmer’s Enchantment’
- Description: Noted for its bi-colored bracts, often white with pink areas or vice versa.
- Origin: Likely named after a notable figure in horticulture or an enthusiast; cultivated potentially in India or other tropical regions where Bougainvillea is popular.
Bougainvillea ‘La Jolla’
- Description: Compact with bright red bracts, good for smaller spaces or as a container plant.
- Origin: Named after La Jolla in California, suggesting it was either developed or became popular there.
Bougainvillea ‘Rosenka’
- Description: Bracts that start gold and turn pink, offering a dual-color effect.
- Origin: Developed for its color transition, likely in nurseries in Japan or another region where ornamental plants are highly valued.
Bougainvillea ‘Vickie’
- Description: Features variegated foliage with purple bracts, adding both color and texture.
- Origin: The name might reference an individual; variegation in plants is often sought after in specialized breeding programs.
Bougainvillea ‘Manila Magic’
- Description: Known for its mix of red and pink bracts on the same plant.
- Origin: Named after Manila, potentially developed in the Philippines or by breeders focusing on vibrant, mixed colors.
Bougainvillea ‘Surprise’
- Description: Surprising with its variable bract colors, which can be pink, white, or a mix.
- Origin: Its name reflects the unpredictable nature of its coloration, likely from breeders who cherish such variability.
Bougainvillea ‘Superstition Gold’
- Description: Golden bracts that can develop pinkish hues, adding to its ornamental value.
- Origin: The name might relate to the hope or superstition that it brings good luck or beauty; exact breeding origin unclear.
Bougainvillea ‘Double Pink’
- Description: Known for double bracts giving a fuller, more voluptuous look to the flowers.
- Origin: Double-flowered varieties are often the result of breeding programs aiming for more lush, gardenia-like blooms, possibly from Asia or Europe.
Bougainvillea ‘Thai Delight’
- Description: Exhibits a beautiful blend of pink to peach colors, very popular in tropical landscapes.
- Origin: Likely developed in Thailand or another Southeast Asian country where Bougainvillea grows profusely.
Bougainvillea ‘Torch Glow’
- Description: Unique compact form where bracts form close to the stems, resembling torches.
- Origin: Developed in the USA for its unique growth pattern, making it suitable for landscaping where a different shape is desired.
Bougainvillea ‘California Gold’
- Description: Known for deep golden bracts that provide a stark contrast to its foliage.
- Origin: Likely named for or developed in California, where the climate favors such vibrant Bougainvillea.
Bougainvillea ‘White Stripe’
- Description: White bracts with occasional stripes or edges of color, adding a delicate touch.
- Origin: The striped or edged effect could be a result of breeding for unique patterns, with no specific documented origin but popular in ornamental horticulture.