Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea spectabilis · Evergreen Broadleaf (Shrub/Woody Vine)
Plant Family
Nyctaginaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Flowering
Variety / Cultivar
Imperial Delight
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 9-11; sensitive to hard freezes but can recover from the roots if the ground doesn't freeze.
About This Tree
A sprawling, woody ornamental known for its vibrant papery bracts. While naturally a vine/shrub, it can be trained into a multi-stemmed small tree. It features thorny stems and a dense, irregular crown with rapid growth in ideal conditions.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, ovate to heart-shaped leaves, roughly 2-4 inches long. The color is a deep matte green. The true flowers are small, white, and tubular, surrounded by the large, prominent pink and white bicolored bracts visible here.
Bark Characteristics
Young stems are green or reddish and armed with sharp thorns; mature bark becomes grey-brown, woody, and slightly fissured or stringy with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
South America (Brazil, Peru, Argentina); adapted to tropical and semi-arid regions globally
Growing Season
Main flowering flushes occur from spring through autumn; remains evergreen in warm climates but may go dormant or drop leaves in cold snaps
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (6+ hours) required for best blooming. Low to moderate water needs; very drought-tolerant once established. Prefers well-draining soil and suffers in standing water.
Mature Size
Can reach 15-30 feet in height/spread if supported as a vine; as a maintained shrub/tree, typically 6-10 feet. Fast growth rate.
Special Characteristics
Highly salt-tolerant, excellent drought resistance, and virtually pest-free. The 'color' is provided by leaf-like bracts rather than petals, meaning the showy display lasts longer than typical flowers.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting cover for small birds due to its thorny structure. Flowers provide nectar for butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. Not a primary food source for most mammals due to thorns.