8 Species of Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea

Bougainvilleas are like wildflowers in Hawaii. Grow to huge bushes. Seeing these plants everywhere is mindboggling.

Bougainvillea, a genus of flowering plants in the Nyctaginaceae family, is known for its vibrant and showy flowers. Native to South America, Bougainvillea is now widely cultivated across the globe, including in the beautiful islands of Hawaii. With its stunning colors and ability to thrive in a tropical climate, Bougainvillea has become a popular choice for gardeners and landscaping projects.

1. Bougainvillea spectabilis:
- Native to Brazil, this species is one of the most common and widely grown Bougainvillea varieties.
- It showcases bright magenta-colored bracts surrounding small white flowers.
- Bougainvillea spectabilis is known for its vigorous growth and ability to climb.

2. Bougainvillea glabra:
- This species, also known as "paper flower," is native to the eastern coast of South America.
- It features smaller, less showy bracts in a range of colors, including pink, orange, and purple.
- Bougainvillea glabra is less thorny compared to other species, making it a favorite for gardeners.

3. Bougainvillea peruviana:
- Native to Peru, this species is recognized for its long, cascading branches and delicate flowers.
- The bracts of Bougainvillea peruviana come in vibrant shades of pink, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets and trellises.

4. Bougainvillea arborea:
- Also known as "tree Bougainvillea," this species is native to Brazil and Argentina.
- It is characterized by its small, delicate bracts in shades of pink, red, and white.
- Bougainvillea arborea is often pruned to maintain a compact, bushy shape.

5. Bougainvillea brasiliensis:
- Native to Brazil, this species is commonly found in the coastal regions of Hawaii.
- It displays abundant bright purple bracts, creating a striking contrast against its green foliage.
- Bougainvillea brasiliensis is well-suited for growing in containers and along fences.

6. Bougainvillea glabra var. variegata:
- This cultivar of Bougainvillea glabra features variegated leaves with a mix of green and creamy-white colors. - The bracts of this species come in various shades of pink, orange, and purple. - Bougainvillea glabra var. variegata adds a unique touch to any garden or landscape with its striking foliage.

7. Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst':
- This popular hybrid Bougainvillea is a cross between Bougainvillea glabra and Bougainvillea spectabilis.
- It boasts vibrant red bracts and can grow in a range of climates, including the tropical climate of Hawaii.
- Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst' (#ad) is a vigorous climber, making it ideal for covering walls and fences.

8. Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red':
- Another popular hybrid, Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red' (#ad) is a cross between Bougainvillea glabra and Bougainvillea peruviana.
- It features deep red bracts and is known for its ability to withstand harsh conditions, including strong winds and

5 Common Varieties of Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea

Any of several South American ornamental woody vines of the genus Bougainvillea having brilliant red or purple flower bracts; widely grown in warm regions.

Synonym: paper flower

Bougainvillea is a stunning and vibrant flowering plant that is native to South America. With its vibrant colors and ability to thrive in various climates, it has become a popular choice for gardens and landscapes around the world. In this article, we will explore the five common species of bougainvillea, providing information on their characteristics, growth habits, and care requirements.

1. Bougainvillea spectabilis:

Bougainvillea spectabilis, also known as the Great Bougainvillea, is one of the most popular species of bougainvillea. It is characterized by its large, vibrant bracts, which can range in color from deep purple to vibrant pink, orange, or red. This species is a vigorous grower, often reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet. Bougainvillea spectabilis thrives in warm, tropical climates and requires full sun and well-drained soil.

2. Bougainvillea glabra:

Bougainvillea glabra, commonly known as the Paperflower is another popular species of bougainvillea. Unlike Bougainvillea spectabilis, this species has smaller bracts that come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, and orange. Bougainvillea glabra is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of climates, making it a versatile choice for both tropical and subtropical regions. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.

3. Bougainvillea peruviana:

Bougainvillea peruviana, also known as the Peruvian Bougainvillea, is a species that is native to Peru. It is characterized by its bright pink, trumpet-shaped bracts that surround the small, inconspicuous flowers. This species is smaller in size compared to others, typically reaching heights of around 3 to 6 feet. Bougainvillea peruviana thrives in warm, dry climates and requires full sun and well-drained soil.

4. Bougainvillea stipitata:

Bougainvillea arborea, commonly known as the Tree Bougainvillea, is a species that has a more tree-like growth habit compared to others. It can reach heights of up to 30 feet, with a spread of 20 to 30 feet. The bracts of Bougainvillea arborea come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white. This species requires full sun and well-drained soil and is well-suited for tropical and subtropical climates.

5. Bougainvillea x buttiana:

Bougainvillea x buttiana is a hybrid species that is a cross between Bougainvillea glabra and Bougainvillea peruviana. It is characterized by its abundance of small, colorful bracts that are similar in appearance to those of Bougainvillea glabra.