Bougainvillea hybrid - Bougainvillea

About fourteen species of Bougainvillea are native to South America. They are sprawling shrubs and trees. Hybrid bougainvillea is a staple of warm climate gardens around the world. Most hybrids are large, spiny, sprawling shrubs and vines with stems reaching twenty or more feet in height. They flower prolifically, usually during the dry season. Small, white tubular flowers are surrounded by big, colorful bracts. Depending on the cultivar, these bracts may be white, gold, orange, lavender, pink, purple, or scarlet red.

In Jacksonville, bougainvillea must be at its winter temperature limits. It is more reliable in the southern parts of town than the north side. Grow it on a south or southeast facing wall for winter cold protection. Protect the trunk when winter temperatures drop below 20 F.