Description

General aspect and origins - Bougainvillea glabra is also known as bougainvillea or paper flower. This vine is native to Brazil. Its woody stems can reach up to 15 to 30 ft (5 to 10 m) long, if not pruned back. Bougainvillea flowering is very showy, and can be of various colors, depending on the different cultivars.
Leaves - Bougainvillea glabra has an evergreen foliage, which can be semi-decidious in colder places. Leaves can be of different shapes, depending on the different varieties, and can be up to 4 in (10 cm) long.
Flowers - Flowers are insignificant, tubular and white-cream. They are surrounded by colorful bracts, which can be orange, pink, purple, red, yellow, white... depending on the varieties.

Culture

Bougainvilleas can withstand short frosts, down to 21°F for the hardiest vines, and down to 28°F for the most frost-tender varieties.
Soil - Bougainvilleas prefer a well-drained and neutral ground.

Propagation

Bougainvilleas are relatively easily propagated by cuttings in spring. Providing bottom heat will quicken the rooting process.