Bougainvilea is a tropical vining shrub that comes in a wide array of bright and fanciful colors. The “flowers” are actually modified leaves, called bracts, that are long-lasting and bright. The colorful bracts outshine the plant’s true (but tiny) flower, much like a poinsettia. They appear periodically throughout most of the year, but are especially plentiful in the winter, when the splashes of color are a welcome sight. Bougainvillea blooms in fuschia, red, white, yellow, and orange. As a tropical plant, it grows beautifully in the garden in tropical growing zone 10. In my zone, 9B, it grows with protection during cold spells. Further north, bougainvillea must stay in a pot and be brought in during the winter. Bougainvilleas require full sun.
University of Florida
I lived for many years in south Florida. First I lived in Dade county (greater Miami), and later I moved to the next county, Broward (greater Ft. Lauderdale). When I lived in my home in Broward county, I had a beautiful bougainvilea in my yard. When it came time to prune it during the hot, rainy summer, I often came away with scratches from the thorns. When I bought my current home, I decided to not plant a bougainvillea due to the problem with the thorns. Several of my neighbors have beautiful bougainvilleas, and I enjoy their color everytime I drive in the neighborhood. Today’s photos were take several years ago on such a drive in October. The color against the blue Florida sky grabbed my attention.
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Please see my Link Parties page listing where I shared this post.
I always loved Bougainvilea – such glorious colour – but when we planted one in our garden it grew rapidly and was dangerous because of the thorns. Sadly we dug it up. Now I admire the bushes from afar.
I just can’t handle being attacked by thorns myself. I choose to not plant one.
My grandma (in North Dakota) had one of these plants. Not going to try to spell it. I remember as a child that is was the pretty flower with the funny name.
It seemed like it was a hanging plant that she must have brought inside, because it never would have survived a ND winter!
Pretty!
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
Homestead Blog Hop
no I can’t imagine it surviving winter anywhere where it’s cold – BTW what state do you live in?
…this brings back fond memories of Maui!
Even though it was beautiful, the thorns would bother me so much. I would never have it. Let my neighbor have it. I’ll look it at afar with no thorns. LOL
Have a great day Carol.
Cruisin Paul
I agree – have a great day!
I love it when I can enjoy somebody else’s flowers or trees and I don’t have to help take care of them.
isn’t that the truth!
Beautiful photos. We have bougainvillea in our back yard. It’s a love/hate relationship. I hate trimming them, but love the way they look!
I understand. If you lived next door and were willing to trim for me, I’d get one. Otherwise, no thanks.
Great shots.
I have a love/hate relationship with bougainvillea. They are beautiful from afar, but grow too fast. Sunflowers are now my favoirte.
I understand. When I lived in south Florida, the one in my back yard tried to take over the world and I was always scratched cutting it back.
I love my bougainvillea. They are so beautiful. Great shots.
Greetings and Salutations! Thank you for posting photographs of bougainvillea. They are beautiful. Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween Jim!
It sure is beautiful especially with the white fence. I’m glad we have flowers year round here in FL! Enjoy your week. It’s cool!
Carol – they are a lovely tropical plant; I remember there were many around our house when we lived near St. Petersburg, Florida. Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
Luv the bougainvillea. I have them in my garden.
Have a good week
Much?love
Great colors! I wouldn’t like the thorns either.
Beautiful photos. That’s a nice view you have. Thank you for sharing at #aclwcc. Pinned and tweeted.