Bougainvillea ‘Alexandra’ is a cultivar within the bougainvillea family with intense purple to magenta bracts.This variety stands out not only for its vibrant hues but also for its versatility in landscaping and garden design. While the exact origins of ‘Alexandra’ might be less documented than its beauty, like many bougainvillea cultivars, it likely resulted from selective breeding to enhance color vibrancy and growth habits suitable for ornamental use.
This bougainvillea can be trained to climb trellises, sprawl over walls, or be kept as a more compact shrub through regular pruning. Its ability to adapt to different forms makes it highly valuable in landscape design, where it can serve as a privacy screen, a colorful hedge, or an espalier against walls.
Characteristics
- Color: ‘Alexandra’ is noted for its brilliant purple or deep magenta bracts, which are especially vibrant and eye-catching. The actual flowers are small and white, but they’re largely overshadowed by the colorful bracts.
- Growth Habit: This cultivar tends to grow as a moderately vigorous vine or shrub. If given support, it can climb up to 15-25 feet, but it can also be pruned to maintain a bushier form.
- Leaves: The foliage is a rich green, providing a lush backdrop to the bright bracts. The leaves are typically ovate with a pointed tip.
- Thorns: Like many bougainvillea varieties, ‘Alexandra’ has thorns, which aid in climbing but require care during handling and pruning.
- Blooming Period: It blooms in flushes, with significant display during the warmer months. In frost-free areas, it may flower intermittently throughout the year.
- Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 9-11. It can tolerate brief, light frosts but is not suited for prolonged cold or freezing temperatures.
Cultivation
- Light: Requires full sun for the best flowering performance. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is optimal.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. A mix of sand, loam, and some organic matter is ideal. It does not do well in waterlogged soil.
- Watering: Water deeply and let the soil dry out between waterings. Once established, ‘Alexandra’ shows good drought tolerance.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer or one slightly higher in phosphorus to promote blooming during the growing season. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which might promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
- Pruning: Can be pruned after each flowering cycle to encourage new growth and more flowers. It can also be shaped for aesthetic or space considerations.
- Support: If trained as a climber, it will need a trellis, wall, or other structures for support. It can also be grown in hanging baskets or as a standalone shrub with regular pruning.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests, but can occasionally be troubled by aphids, whiteflies, or caterpillars. Root rot can occur if soil drainage is poor.
- Cold Protection: In areas where frost occurs, ‘Alexandra’ should be protected or moved indoors if grown in a container. Mulching around the base can provide some protection against light frost.
- Propagation: Propagate through semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or summer, using rooting hormone to improve rooting success.