Alexandra Bougainvillea

Alexandra is a thorny, woody bougainvillea climber with soft oval leaves and conspicuous pink-purple papery bracts surrounding small white tubular flowers. It suits warm sunny walls, trellises, and large containers, where its spreading stems can be trained or pruned to fit the space. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/222757/bougainvillea-glabra-alexandra/details) lists mature height and spread in the broad 2.5–4 m range and summer flowering. ## Landscape Use Train it over a support or use it as a sprawling shrub in a warm, frost-light setting. [Treeland Nurseries](https://www.treeland.com/products/shrubs/shrubs-shrubs/non-native-evergreen-shrubs/bougainvillea-alexandra-bougainvillea-alexandra/) describes Alexandra as an evergreen spreading shrub or vine, with magenta display and pruning to shape. Its stems have thorns, so keep it clear of walkways and allow room for maintenance. ## Size and Siting Plan for roughly 8–10 ft of height and about 8–13 ft of spread, with support for climbing growth. Choose full sun for flowering and a sheltered position where cold winds are limited. RHS lists loam or sand and a well-drained root zone. ## Soil and Water Use a fast-draining soil or potting mix and water during establishment. Once rooted, avoid waterlogging and reduce irrigation during cooler weather. Bougainvillea can lose foliage or suffer damage from frost, especially in exposed sites. ## Maintenance Tie young stems to their support and prune after flowering or in early spring to keep the plant within bounds. Wear gloves when handling thorny stems and avoid disturbing the root ball during planting.