Bougainvillea glabra A
A virgorous climber with semi-glossy leaves to 13cm long. In summer it bears flowers formed of papery, petal-like magenta bracts. It requires the protection of a temperate glasshouse or conservatory, although potted plants can be moved outside in the summer months
4-8 metres
2.5-4 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Plant in large pots of peat-free, loam-based compost, or directly into the conservatory border. Bougainvilleas need a bright position but protect them from direct summer sun. Containerised plants can be moved outside for summer. Increase watering from spring as the plants start back into active growth and apply a balanced liquid feed until the bracts show colour, then switch to a high potassium feed. Decrease watering and cease feeding in autumn. Maintain a minimum night temperature of 10°C. See bougainvillea cultivation for further information
Propagate by layering in early spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in winter
See pruning group 12
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids and glasshouse whitefly
Generally disease-free