Great Bougainvillea

Great bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) is a tropical, woody climbing shrub with long-lasting color from papery bracts surrounding small true flowers. Its stems carry curved thorns and can be trained over a wall, fence, or pergola, while pruning can keep it as a freestanding shrub or container specimen. ## Growth and display The [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/bougainvillea-spectabilis/common-name/paper-flower/) lists Great Bougainvillea as a common name for this species and describes a thorny, self-supporting climber. It reports bracts in purple, red, pink, or orange, so individual plants and selections may not share one color. A [UF/IFAS assessment](https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/bougainvillea-spectabilis/) does not identify the species as a problem plant in Florida; that assessment is regional. In warm regions it can remain perennial; outside its tropical hardiness range, gardeners commonly grow it as seasonal color or in a container. ## Siting Provide full sun and a hot, well-drained site. The extension recommends organically rich soil that holds some moisture without becoming soggy, deep watering followed by drying, and notes that established plants resist drought. It lists USDA zones 9b through 11b; this is summarized as zones 9–11. Allow space for a large climber, and position it away from busy paths because its curved thorns can snag or injure passersby. ## Maintenance Secure stems to a strong trellis, wall, or pergola and prune after flowering if needed to control the outline. Reduce water and fertilizer after a flowering flush and allow a rest period rather than keeping the soil wet. Wear protective gloves and sleeves when pruning, and avoid planting thorny branches beside narrow walkways.