Bougainvillea spectabilis – Great Bougainvillea

Explore Bougainvillea spectabilis (Great Bougainvillea) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Bougainvillea spectabilis | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Great Bougainvillea, Paper Flower

Family: Nyctaginaceae

Appearance: A vigorous, thorny, woody vine or sprawling shrub with leathery, ovate leaves and striking, papery bracts in magenta, purple, pink, red, orange, or white. True flowers are small, tubular, and creamy-white, surrounded by the vividly colored bracts.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free areas; semi-deciduous in cooler zones

Layer: Vine

Root System: Deep, fibrous root system

Height: 3–12 meters depending on support and pruning

Width: Spreads widely if not pruned; can cover large structures

Lifespan: Long-lived perennial

Growth Rate: Fast

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Attracts bees, butterflies, and occasionally hummingbirds

Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested; thorns may cause skin irritation

Bougainvillea spectabilis | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

• Native Range: Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina

• Companionship: Often used to cover trellises, fences, and pergolas; can be paired with drought-tolerant perennials like lavender and rosemary

• Invasive Range: Considered invasive in some tropical and subtropical areas where it escapes cultivation

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 9–11

• Minimum Chill Hours Required: None

Resistance/Tolerance

• Poor Soil: High tolerance

• Drought: High tolerance (once established)

• Shade: Low tolerance; needs sun to bloom well

• Flood: Low tolerance

• Wind: Moderate tolerance

• Maritime: Moderate tolerance

• Air Pollution: High tolerance

• Fire: Moderate tolerance

Thriving Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderate; avoid waterlogging

• Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils

• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)

Propagation

• Seeds: Rarely used due to variability and low germination

• Cuttings: Common method; semi-hardwood cuttings root well in warm conditions

Bougainvillea spectabilis | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: Not edible

Medicinal: Not well-studied

Cosmetics: Not used in cosmetics

Animal Feed: Not suitable

Fiber: Not used for fiber

Timber: Not applicable

Firewood: Not typically used

Wind Break: Not ideal as a standalone windbreak but can be part of a wind barrier on structures

Fence: Excellent as a living fence or barrier due to thorny stems and dense growth

Cover Crop: No

Mulch: No

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No

Pollinator Attractor: Yes – supports bees and butterflies

Pest Repellent: Not documented

Wildlife Supporter: Provides shelter for birds and insects

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