Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea glabra
Family: Nyctaginaceae · Also called Paper Flower, Buganvilla, Bougainvillea arborea, Bougainvillea glabra var. acutibracteata, Bougainvillea glabra var. graciliflora
Green & Fresh · Summer–Autumn bloomer
Bougainvillea is tropical exuberance given form, massive cascades of intense color that drape over walls, pergolas, and rooftops in warm climates worldwide. The vivid 'flowers' are actually papery bracts surrounding tiny white true flowers. Available in screaming magenta, soft salmon, deep purple, orange, white, and bi-colors.
passion, welcome, beauty
In the Victorian language of flowers, bougainvillea means “Passion and welcome”. Named after French admiral Louis Antoine de Bougainville, whose naturalist discovered the plant in Brazil in 1768. It's now the defining ornamental of Mediterranean, Indian, Southeast Asian, and Latin American architecture, cascading over whitewashed walls in impossible shades of magenta, vermilion, and violet. It's the official flower of several cities including Taipei and Shenzhen.
Did You Know?
The colorful parts of bougainvillea are modified leaves (bracts), not petals. The actual flower is the tiny white tube in the center of each trio of bracts. Because the bracts are essentially leaves, they last for months, far longer than true petals would. The plant has vicious thorns that it uses to climb, and can grow 40 feet in a single season.
Dry, thorny scrubland and forest edges of Brazil, Peru, and Argentina
Bougainvillea is native to South America. It naturally grows in dry, thorny scrubland and forest edges of brazil, peru, and argentina.
Scent Profile
“Virtually scentless, the spectacular 'flowers' are actually papery bracts, not true petals, and produce no fragrance. Bougainvillea is pure visual drama with no olfactory component.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameBougainvillea glabra
- FamilyNyctaginaceae
- Native ToSouth America
- Bloom SeasonSummer–Autumn
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Named after French admiral Louis Antoine de Bougainville, whose naturalist discovered the plant in Brazil in 1768. It's now the defining ornamental of Mediterranean, Indian, Southeast Asian, and Latin American architecture, cascading over whitewashed walls in impossible shades of magenta, vermilion, and violet. It's the official flower of several cities including Taipei and Shenzhen.