Bougainvillea spectabilis is a tropical perennial shrubby vine grown as an annual or container plant and makes an excellent addition to a pool or patio space. It prefers moderately fertile, organically rich soil that retains moisture but is not soggy. Bougainvillea is best suited to a hot, dry climate and should be watered deeply but allowed to dry out between waterings. Once established, they are drought resistant. It is a woody climber that can support itself on other plants by means of curved thorns carried in the leaf axils and by quasi-twining stems and should be kept away from high traffic areas as the thorns can be painful. It is best tied to a structure such as a fence, wall, or pergola for support. Lesser Bougainvillea ( Bougainvillea glabra ) has distinctly 5-angled (pentagonal) floral tubes and short floral bracts and is distinguished from Great Bougainvillea ( Bougainvillea spectabilis ) which has rounded floral tubes and longer floral bracts but they are otherwise very similar. Tip : Reduce water and fertilizer and prune if necessary after flowering. It needs a dormant period and benefits from "neglect". More information on Bougainvillea .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Gold/Yellow; Green; Orange; Pink; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy; White
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Ovate
Leaf margin
Sinuate; Undulate
Leaf feel
Leathery; Papery
Leaf value
Long-lasting; Showy
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
The actual leaves are green. Branches are covered with long, soft hairs. Leaves are elliptical or ovate with the apex acute, obtuse, or acuminate and the base obtuse, rounded, or attenuate, slightly asymmetrical. Lower surfaces are softly hairy with prominent venation and slender petioles. This plant also has modified leaves called bracts (that may look like petals) and give the appearance of flowers.
Flower color
Cream/Tan; White
Flower shape
Tubular
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Flowers are found in axillary clusters of three, each flower with a purple, red, pink, or orange bract beneath. The calyx is tubular with 5 lobes approximately 2 cm long. The tube is the same color as the bracts, with white lobes approximately 3 mm long and 5-10 stamens.
Bloom time
Fall; Spring; Summer
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Winged achenes are 1-1.5 cm, elongate, 5-ribbed containing 1 seed and are distributed by wind and water.
Stem color
Brown/Copper
Stem detail
Stems have long narrow thorns in the axils of leaves.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Brazil
Distribution
It can be found cultivated and naturalized across Asia, Africa, tropical America, the West Indies, the Mediterranean region, and on many islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans in tropical and warm temperate regions.
Wildlife value
It is pollinated by night moths, bees, and butterflies.
Attracts
Bees; Butterflies; Moths; Pollinators
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Achene
Uses (ethnobotany)
The extract and decoction of this plant have been used as fertility control among the tribal people in many countries. It also is believed to have anticancer, antihepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiulcer properties. Bougainvillea spectabilis contains pinitol, which has an insulin-like effect and has the potential for development as a treatment for diabetes.