Bougainvillea × buttiana

Bougainvillea

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Taxonomy

Family Nyctaginaceae · Genus Bougainvillea

Description

Bougainvillea × buttiana is a vigorous, sun-loving hybrid famed for its dazzling, papery bracts in vibrant shades of magenta, orange, red, and purple. A tough, drought-tolerant climber or sprawling shrub, it thrives with warmth and thrives on a little neglect, rewarding you with long seasons of color when given full sun and great drainage.

Common Names

BougainvilleaPaper flowerPaperflowerBougainvillea hybridButtiana bougainvillea

Context

nativeRegion

Hybrid of South American parents (Bougainvillea glabra and B. peruviana); widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

usdaZones

9b–11

companionPlants

Lantana, Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), Hibiscus, Aloe, Agave

culturalUses

Highly ornamental for arbors, trellises, walls, and containers; used as a colorful hedge or living fence (thorny); popular in bonsai and festive displays.

Care

Care Requirements

LightFull sun (6–8+ hours daily) is essential for heavy blooming; shade greatly reduces flowers.

WateringWater deeply then allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry. Drought-tolerant when established; reduce watering in cool months. Avoid waterlogged soil.

SoilVery well-draining mix; sandy/loamy soil or cactus mix with added perlite/bark. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0).

FertilizerFeed every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer with a balanced or bloom-boosting formula (low nitrogen, higher K). Ease off in fall/winter to prevent lanky growth.

HumidityAverage ambient humidity (30–60%) with good airflow. Tolerates dry air; avoid stagnant, overly humid conditions.

TemperatureBest at 65–95°F (18–35°C). Protect from frost; leaf drop may occur below ~45°F (7°C). Avoid freezing temperatures.

Growth & Life Cycle

HabitVigorous, thorny, scandent shrub/climber that scrambles over supports or can be trained as a standard or hedge.

Mature SizeTypically 10–30 ft (3–9 m) with support; 6–20 ft (2–6 m) spread; more compact in containers.

Growth RateFast-growing in warm, bright conditions.

BloomingProfuse bracts in flushes spring through fall; nearly year-round in the tropics. Best flowering in full sun with slight dry stress.

DormancySemi-dormant in cool seasons; growth slows and leaves may drop in winter, resuming with warmth and longer days.

Propagation

MethodsSemi-hardwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Air layering, Ground layering, Grafting onto vigorous rootstock

DifficultyModerate

Best SeasonLate spring to mid-summer for cuttings; layering during the active growing season.

Maintenance & Notes

PruningLightly trim after bloom flushes to shape and encourage branching. Hard prune in late winter/early spring. Avoid removing all mature wood. Wear gloves—sharp thorns.

RepottingPrefers to be slightly rootbound; repot every 2–3 years in spring, stepping up only one pot size. Minimize root disturbance and ensure excellent drainage.

Pests & DiseasesAphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites, whiteflies, and bougainvillea looper caterpillars; root rot from overwatering; occasional leaf spot. Treat with horticultural soaps/oils, BT for loopers, and improve airflow/drainage.

ToxicityGenerally considered non-toxic, but sap may irritate skin; thorns can cause injury. Ingestion may cause mild GI upset in pets/people.

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