Bougainvillea — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Bougainvillea glabra |
|---|---|
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–365 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 152.4–304.8 |
| Mature height (cm) | 243.8–914.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 152.4–457.2 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 9–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant in very well-drained soil in full sun; bougainvillea is the quintessential tropical vine of warm-climate gardens, producing massive displays of brilliantly colored papery bracts (the true flowers are small and white at the bract center) in shades of magenta, red, orange, pink, white, and bicolor from spring through fall — especially spectacular in late winter and spring in zone 9. The plant is a vigorous, thorny scrambler that must be trained on a strong trellis, arbor, or fence; it is not self-clinging and must be tied. Light stress (slight drought, slightly root-bound) dramatically increases bloom production. In zone 9, it may suffer frost damage in cold winters but typically regrows from the base; in zone 10–11 it blooms nearly year-round. Prune after each major bloom cycle to encourage re-blooming. Extremely heat, drought, and salt tolerant once established — one of the most spectacular flowering vines available for Gulf Coast landscapes.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0