Bougainvillea spectabilis

Bougainvillea spectabilis

Within the genre of the Buganvilla we find the variety Bougainvillea spectabilis. It is a semi-shrubby plant with climbing plant characteristics. It has a great ornamental value so it is widely used for the decoration of gardens and public spaces. We can find it in many places given its high rusticity and spectacular flowering. It is used to decorate walls, fences, gazebos, gardens, etc.

In this article we are going to teach you everything you need to know about Bougainvillea spectabilis and the care you need.

Key features

Characteristics Bougainvillea spectabilis

This plant is commonly known by names such as Bugambilia, Santa Rita, Veranera, Trinitaria, Veraneras, Paper flower, Paper vine, Bougainvillea, Bougainvillea, Camelina, etc. It is perfect for creating some more informal hedges but with lots of flowers. It needs a pruning to be able to achieve a rather curious shrubby growth in case we want to plant it in isolation in the garden or even in a pot.

Not only do their climbing characteristics make them ideal for wall decoration, but It serves as a covering plant or covers floors. If we have a less populated part of the garden, we can cover it with the Bougainvillea spectabilis.

If its growth is optimal, it can reach up to 12 meters in length. Normally, in their natural habitat they are found as perennials in rainier areas. If the area is drier, behaves like a deciduous plant. In gardening they are perennial plants since the irrigation is done in a continuous way and they do not need to lose the leaves to survive in these environments. The roots are quite rustic and grow in almost any terrain. The leaves are green and grow alternately on the branches. They have an oval shape and the base is narrower.

Its ramifications They use them to be able to climb on other plants or surfaces such as fences, pergolas, walls, etc. Its climbing system is made through the use of spines that allow it to occupy vertical spaces. Its branches can be redirected easily, since they do not have a real grip.

Flowering is in the summer season where they reach their maximum splendor. Lasts until fall. Without frost and in warmer climates, it will be able to bloom all year round, even in winter.

Requirements of the Bougainvillea spectabilis

Bougainvillea spectabilis flowers

This plant can be sown both in pots and directly in the garden. If we want to get the most out of it and the maximum flowering, the ideal is to plant it on the ground. It needs a fertile soil, but without excess nutrients. If we see that our soil is somewhat poorer, we will have to add some more fertilizer. On the contrary, if we see that our soil already has natural fertilizer, it is better not to add anything else. It is also important that the substrate has good drainage. When it comes to watering, we cannot let the soil get waterlogged or we will cause rotting in the roots.

You need to have good aeration so that excess irrigation water does not accumulate. Its ideal location is in the brightest places so that the flowering lasts as long as possible. It really serves to decorate without flowers, but with them, we have much more decoration. If we have it in a pot, when they lose the flowers, we can have it as an outdoor plant.

In our country it is better to place them in full sun. We will have a much faster growth and a more abundant and lasting flowering. In addition, the flowers will be seen with a more vivid color and it will give us much more play to be able to combine them with other plants. In this way, we can customize the garden in a simpler way.

It is somewhat resistant to frost but if they last very little or are very punctual. It is not advisable to keep them for a long time in temperatures below 10 degrees. To do this, we will avoid placing them in the coolest areas of the garden. If it is already well rooted in the garden and its surroundings, it will have more resistance and only temperatures that are below -4 degrees can damage it in a more conditioning way.

Necessary care

Flowered bougainvillea spectabilis

The irrigation that we have to give to Bougainvillea spectabilis it is quite important. Although this is a plant that resists drought very well, it does not mean that it can grow better if the environment is more humid. Its irrigation must be adequate to maintain that balance between humidity and sun. During the growth period, You can water it moderately and reduce its quantity in the resting season. That is, when it does not have flowers. We will have to leave the ground somewhat dry.

On the contrary, we will have to increase the irrigation a little more when it is the flowering season since, in turn, it is the warmest time of the year and it will lose water by evapotranspiration. As we have said before, it can grow in almost any type of soil, although it prefers the most fertile and with a clay texture. In your compost, we can give you some organic compost in winter and autumn mixed with soil in a light way. For spring it is better to use a mineral fertilizer so that it has sufficient strength for flowering. This can be applied dissolved in irrigation water or in the form of granules.

If we have it in a pot, the substrate will be prefabricated and it will not take long in the container. Therefore, it is necessary to fertilize by diluting it in the irrigation water. Whatever the fertilizer, It must be low in nitrogen so that the plant remains strong and its flowering is maximized.

Maintenance and pruning

Bougainvillea spectabilis tree

This plant with climbing characteristics needs a tutored. This way it will be able to grow in the way that suits us best, since its branches do not twist by themselves on the structures or have tendrils or roots that help it to climb. To improve your development, we can place some structures that will help you.

The most severe pruning is recommended in early spring so that, in the summer, it is strong in its flowering season.

I hope that with this information you can enjoy the Bougainvillea spectabilis in your garden.


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