A Neighbor’s Bougainvilea

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

manatee thank you

 

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Carol

I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.

22 thoughts to “A Neighbor’s Bougainvilea”

  1. 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.

  2. 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

    1. no I can’t imagine it surviving winter anywhere where it’s cold – BTW what state do you live in?

  3. 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

  4. 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!

    1. I understand. If you lived next door and were willing to trim for me, I’d get one. Otherwise, no thanks.

    1. 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.

  5. 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!

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