Purple Glabra bougainvillea

Family

Nyctaginaceae

Origin

Southern Brazil

Description

Bougainvillea glabra is a evergreen vigorous climbing shrub with thorny stems.. It usually grows 3-4m (10-12feet) tall, occasionally up to 9m (30 feet). Tiny white flowers usually appear in clusters surrounded by colorful papery bracts, hence the name paperflower. The bracts appear in clusters of 10 to 20. Purple or magenta bracts are produced in late summer and fall and the varieties include other colours.

Environment

Bougainvillea grow in a light well-drained soil. in full light . The plant flower if grown under maximum light and stressed with dryness. Bring the soil to a state of visual dryness between watering. The best flowering occurs when the plants are brought to a slight wilt between waterings. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until a little water runs out of the bottom of the pot. Growing in a clay pot will help maintain a healthy root system.

Fertilize with a balanced, soluble fertilizer every two weeks at tsp of fertilizer per gallon of water. Reduce the frequency during the winter months, especially under cool temperatures.

Landscape Use

Bougainvillea glabra can be easily grown as a hedge, an arch or a tree on the ground and in pots. This plant is ideal for bonsai. Also, this plant can be grown in hanging basket with a hard pruning to maintain the shape and size, making a splendid specimen for balcony or sunroom.