Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea glabra · Evergreen woody vine or sprawling shrub (can be trained as a multi-stemmed tree)
Plant Family
Nyctaginaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental, Flowering Vine/Shrub
Variety / Cultivar
Barbara Karst (likely based on deep magenta-red bract color)
Hardiness Zones
USDA 9-11; very sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures.
About This Tree
A vigorous, thorny woody plant known for its sprawling habit and vibrant, papery flower bracts that surround tiny white tubular flowers. It exhibits a rapid growth rate and can be trained into various forms including hedges, groundcovers, or small cascading trees.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, ovate to elliptical leaves, roughly 2-4 inches long, with a smooth margin and deep green color. Heart-shape bases are common.
Bark Characteristics
Pale brown to greyish bark that becomes woody and gnarled with age; stems are equipped with sharp, stiff thorns at the leaf axils.
Growing Information
Origin Region
South America (Brazil, Peru, and Argentina); common in Mediterranean and subtropical climates
Growing Season
Year-round growth in tropical climates; peak flowering in spring and fall; semi-dormant in cool winters
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (at least 6 hours) is required for heavy blooming. Low to moderate water once established; very drought tolerant.
Mature Size
15-30 feet in height/spread if not pruned; can reach a trunk diameter of several inches over decades.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional drought tolerance, salt tolerance, and heat resistance. Notable for its iconic papery bracts which are often mistaken for flower petals. High ornamental value but contains structural thorns.
Wildlife & Ecology
Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees as a nectar source. The dense, thorny structure provides excellent protective nesting habitat for small birds.