Bouganvillea Glabra

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Nyctaginaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

Genus

Bougainvillea

Species

glabrous

Description

A very lush, evergreen sarmentose shrub in warm temperate climate zones.
It displays impressive flowering, especially when leaning against house or fence walls, with a profusion of clustered inflorescences bearing tubular flowers with mainly fuchsia or purple bracts, although there are cultivars with shades from white to soft pink.
Flowering is also very long and lasts in some areas all year round.

Curiosities and special features

It was first discovered in 1767 during an expedition to Brazil led by the French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainvillea, to whom the botanical genus is dedicated. In fact, it is said that the plant was identified by the botanist Jeanne Baret, who took part in the expedition disguised as a man as at the time such ventures were forbidden to women.

Origin and distribution

A botanical species native to the range including eastern and southern Brazil, where it grows in the humid tropical biome. Discovered in 1767 in Brazil, it was introduced to Europe in the late 1800s.

Bougainvillea is widespread in the warm southern areas of Italy and other warm temperate countries, where it grows almost spontaneously. It is present with an assortment of varieties, mainly interspecific hybrids, which are distinguished by their developed vegetative habitus and the colour shade of their bracts and foliage.

Leaf

The simple, alternate leaves have an oval lamina with a pronounced apex and smooth edge.

Leaf colour

Solid-coloured, semi-glossy deep green.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 5 m, depending on the developed habit.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen shrub, deciduous in cold climate areas.

Where to plant

Verstile, it is suitable for cultivation in planters, gardens and parks, terraces, outdoor tubs. Its climbing habit also makes it ideal for covering fences, gazebos and walls with support to adhere to. In cold climate areas it is suitable for conservatories and glass-enclosed verandas.

Stem

Woody, semi-woody plant; has thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a crown-like corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in raceme or cluster inflorescences of medium size. It flowers from early spring to autumn, with a flowering period of between 120 and 150 days. It is attractive to beetles and butterflies.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops a climbing habit.

Branching

Abundant branching allows for a high density of foliage and inflorescences.

PH

The ideal soil pH for proper vegetative growth of Bougainvillea is slightly acidic, with optimum values between 5.5 and 6.0.

Soil preparation

Before spring transplanting, remove weeds and bulky stones.

Sun exposure

Indoor plant in the cold season, light source indoors, half shade, full sun.

In cold continental climates it can be exposed to full sun in the south from spring and during the summer so as to have maximum daylight.

A bright exposure is essential for full flowering and compact growth.

Ideal climate and temperature

It requires a warm and relatively dry climate. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 28 °C during the vegetative phase. The biological temperature is between 15 and 35 °C.

Use

The elegance of its bearing and the significance of its flowering make it widely appreciated in:
Outdoor ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design

Hardiness

A moderately hardy plant, it fears cold but tolerates dry heat very well.

Soil

It requires medium-textured, well-draining soil as it does not tolerate waterlogging. For cultivation in pots, choose a new, high-quality substrate specifically for ornamental plants.

Difficulty

Under the right environmental conditions, the cultivation of Bougainvillea glabra is fairly easy with an average level of maintenance.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation tips to achieve optimum development and lush flowering:
With little light, plants do not flower Expose the plant to maximum light Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Prefers warm and dry climate Requires a lot of light to flower

Planting

Depending on the habit and the size developed, an average density of 1 plant per square metre is recommended. For transplanting, take the seedling out of its container without damaging the roots and position it by completely burying the root ball without allowing it to dry out.

Propagation

Multiplication is by semi-woody apical cuttings and by woody cuttings.

Watering

In the initial stages, following transplanting or repotting, proper water management without stagnation is essential to avoid yellowing or root rot. Afterwards, prevent excesses, which compromise both the root system and the colouring of the vegetation, by slightly drying out the substrate or soil. Do not water the aerial part of the plant during the evening hours to prevent the spread of plant diseases.

If sheltered in areas with a cold winter climate, limit watering as the plant remains completely devoid of vegetation and usually sheds its leaves.

Fertilising

It fears over-fertilisation, especially in connection with water stress. During the spring-summer period, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants to the substrate or soil, to be diluted in the irrigation water without exceeding the dose and frequency.

An iron-rich fertiliser is recommended at the height of flowering.

Stop fertilising in winter, when the plant is in vegetative rest.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Absolutely avoid watering plants that are kept in cold areas in winter, where the plant remains completely devoid of vegetation and usually bare. In spring, the plant then starts to sprout again and puts on leaves and flowers at the same time.