Bougainvillea
(Bougainvillea ×buttiana)
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea ×buttiana)
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© Chuy Benitez
CC BY 4.0
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© Chuy Benitez
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © Chuy Benitez | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: chuybenitez | Publisher: iNaturalist |























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Bougainvillea ×buttiana, commonly known as Bougainvillea or Paper Flower, is a hybrid perennial vine resulting from the cross between B. glabra and B. peruviana. It is not native to any specific natural habitat since it is a garden-origin hybrid, but its parent species are native to South America, thriving in habitats such as coastal forests and scrub areas. Bougainvillea ×buttiana exhibits rapid growth, reaching heights of 3-20 feet (0.9-6 meters) and widths of 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 meters). Its thorny stems support heart-shaped leaves and brilliant bracts that surround the tiny, inconspicuous true flowers. The bracts come in a variety of colors, including orange, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow, and are most showy during the summer, fall, and winter months.
This plant is highly valued for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms and its ability to provide a lush, tropical feel to landscapes. It is commonly used for ornamental purposes in gardens, on patios, and as an effective climber on walls and fences. Bougainvillea ×buttiana requires full sun exposure to flourish and prefers fast-draining sandy or loamy soils. It is drought-tolerant, needing only low amounts of water once established. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may require occasional pruning to maintain shape and promote flowering. In some regions, Bougainvillea ×buttiana is considered potentially invasive, so it is important to consult local guidelines before planting to prevent ecological disruption.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is highly valued for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms and its ability to provide a lush, tropical feel to landscapes. It is commonly used for ornamental purposes in gardens, on patios, and as an effective climber on walls and fences. Bougainvillea ×buttiana requires full sun exposure to flourish and prefers fast-draining sandy or loamy soils. It is drought-tolerant, needing only low amounts of water once established. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may require occasional pruning to maintain shape and promote flowering. In some regions, Bougainvillea ×buttiana is considered potentially invasive, so it is important to consult local guidelines before planting to prevent ecological disruption.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Vine, Shrub
- Height: 3-20 feet
- Width: 3-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Garden-origin hybrid with parent species native to South American coastal forests and scrub areas
Other Names
Common Names: Paper Flower
Scientific Names: Bougainvillea ×buttiana
GBIF Accepted Name: