Lesser Bougainvillea

Lesser bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra), also called paper flower, is a thorny evergreen climber with glossy leaves and small true flowers surrounded by vivid papery bracts. The [Royal Horticultural Society profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/91850/bougainvillea-glabra/details) describes magenta bracts in summer and a mature climbing plant several metres tall. ## Landscape Use Train it on a strong wall, fence, or trellis, or grow it in a large container that can be moved to shelter in cold weather. Bougainvillea glabra is among the species used for ornamental displays, but its spiny stems need separation from paths and seating. ## Size and Siting Allow a substantial climbing area: RHS lists 4–8 m in height and 2.5–4 m in spread, and ranges that include a plant 6 m tall and 3 m wide. Full sun supports flowering. In a bright greenhouse, protect leaves from intense direct summer sun. ## Soil and Water Use well-drained soil or a loam-based container mix. Water as spring growth resumes and through active summer growth, then reduce watering in autumn and winter. The [RHS care guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/bougainvillea/growing-guide) advises frost-free winter protection for container plants and notes that the genus dislikes poor drainage. ## Maintenance Tie stems to their support and prune after bracts fade or before new spring growth, since bougainvillea flowers on current-season growth. It is frost tender in cold climates; move containers indoors before freezing weather and keep winter compost relatively dry.