Family: Nyctaginaceae

A thorny, drought-tolerant plant, bougainvillea, is an excellent choice for dry locations that need a splash of color. There are many varieties and cultivars of bougainvillea to suit one’s landscape color theme. The bright color is from bracts, while the flowers are small and insignificant. Trim regularly to maintain a beautiful shape.

In the colder months, when leaves begin to drop and the plant goes dormant, stop fertilizing.

Sometimes called paper flower, this bush can be a fire hazard — especially untrimmed plants with dead, paper-like bracts and leaves persisting on the stem. Trim dead parts to reduce the fuel load.

Plant Uses:

• Bonsai
• Container plant
• Hedge
• Lei flower
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening
• Windbreak
• Bonzai

Plant Dangers:

• Fire hazard
• Thorns or spines