A Guide To Various Colors Of Bougainvillea Flowers And Bracts

There are approximately 14 species of bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.), which are climbing woody vines native to South America. These vines are grown for their colorful blooms, which are not actually flowers, but rather modified, paper-like leaves called bracts.

There are many bougainvillea cultivars in a wide range of colors to choose from.

Forest & Kim Starr

Three species of bougainvillea are common in cultivation: Bougainvillea spectabilis, Bougainvillea glabra and Bougainvillea peruviana. All three are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 to 11.

According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, Bougainvillea glabra, known commonly as the lesser bougainvillea, has fewer thorns than Bougainvillea spectabilis, called the greater bougainvillea. A number of hybrid bougainvillea cultivars also are on the market.

Most bougainvillea grow to lengths between 15 and 40 feet, depending on the species and cultivar. Dwarf cultivars can be used as ground cover. Most bougainvillea plants have thorns.

Some bougainvillea species are evergreen, while others are deciduous. Outside of their hardiness range, bougainvillea vines can be grown as annuals. They also can be planted in containers and overwintered indoors.

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The true flowers of bougainvillea vines are discrete. They are about 1 inch wide and usually cream, pale yellow or white in color. They grow in clusters of one to three flowers, which are obscured by the three or six bracts, which are modified leaves that look like petals. It's the bracts that make these vines highly ornamental.

The bracts of bougainvillea vines come in many shades of white, red, orange, pink or purple, depending on the cultivar.

Bougainvillea can be grown in containers or hanging baskets. These vines flower best when they are grown in full sun and receive consistent moisture, though they can handle dry conditions. In fact, allowing the soil to dry out promotes more blooming than overwatering.

According to the Clemson Cooperative Extension, bougainvillea vines will produce more abundant flowers and bloom sooner when they are exposed to longer nights.