Bougainvillea features small, inconspicuous, white or yellow true flowers, but is famous for its large, bright, papery-thin, colorful bracts that surround the actual flowers. These showy, flower-like structures are modified leaves and come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, red, orange, white, and yellow. The plant itself is a fast-growing, woody vine or shrub with thorny stems and ovate to heart-shaped leaves, thriving in full sun and well-draining soil, and known for its drought resistance.

Plant Characteristics

Growth Habit: Bougainvillea is a fast-growing, woody vine or shrub that can be trained to climb walls and fences, or pruned into a shrub or even a topiary.

Stems: The stems are thorny and have a scrambling habit, helping the plant to climb and spread.

Leaves: The leaves are dark green, ovate to heart-shaped, and have a slightly leathery texture.