Bougainvillea: The ‘Go To’ Global Classic

Sometimes called the ‘paper flower’ due to the texture of its coloured leaves, bougainvillea is found in residential and commercial landscapes, and even along highways and roadsides, all over the world. A staple in the courtyard gardens of Greece and covering Italian terrazzos and Spanish haciendas and throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, bougainvillea can be seen throughout North and South America and can even be found in the Australian desert.

Bougainvillea will flower all year round as long as the ‘dry season’ does not cause the plant to drop its flowers – in magenta, purple, red, pale pink, orange and white. It favours sunny spots that are protected from the wind. Kept in a pot (keeping it root bound) allows the plant to be contained, or, it can be trained to grow up a stainless steel wire along an outdoor area or guttering. Used well, as mass planting, bougainvillea can be a fast growing solution to an existing, classic home or a softening texture that complements a contemporary style building.