Bougainvillea hybrid - Bougainvillea
Family Nyctaginaceae
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.
Location:
See plants on the east side of building 12.
Size:
A large scrambling shrub capable of reaching twenty feet or more in height.
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.