Consulta Plantas

Care of the climbing plant Bougainvillea or Paperflower

The genus Bougainvillea, family Nyctaginaceae, comprises 18 species of climbing shrubs native to South America. Some species are: Bougainvillea glabra, Bougainvillea peruviana, Bougainvillea spectabilis, Bougainvillea buttiana, Bougainvillea spinosa.

Common names: Paperflower, Lesser bougainvillea.

They are climbing shrubs that reach more than 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The leaves are deep green and oval or heart-shaped. The trunk has thorns that allow them to adhere to other surfaces. The flowers are insignificant, yellowish and tubular. We call it a flower is a modified bract or leaf. The bracts can be magenta, pink, orange, purple, or white. They bloom in spring, summer, and early fall.

They are used as climbing plants to cover walls, pergolas, arches, fences, etc.

Bougainvillea needs full sun exposure; in semi-shade it produces fewer flowers. It does not resist frost or temperatures below 8 ºC (46.4 ºF). In harsh winter regions it is better not to plant it.

The soil should be of a light substrate composed of peat, chestnut earth and coarse siliceous sand.

Water frequently in summer, regularly in spring and fall, and lightly in winter. If the soil is dry they lose the leaves.

Fertilize in summer weekly with a mineral fertilizer.

Prune in late winter for good summer bloom.

They are plants resistant to the most frequent pests and diseases.

They propagate by cuttings or by air layering.

Images of the climbing plant Bougainvillea or Paperflower