Bi-Color Bougainvillea Tree

Bougainvillea × buttiana is a cultivated hybrid with showy papery bracts around small true flowers. In a sheltered garden or large container, its woody stems can be trained into a tree-like standard for a vivid warm-season display. ## Garden use and appearance Kew recognizes B. × buttiana as an artificial hybrid of B. glabra and B. peruviana ([Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:35442-2/general-information)). The Royal Horticultural Society describes bougainvillea as a vigorous evergreen climber with colorful bracts and notes that B. × buttiana can flower while young. Bougainvillea can also be trained as a standard, creating a small tree form with a leafy crown above a bare stem ([RHS growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/bougainvillea/growing-guide)). ## Growing conditions Give it abundant sun and sharply draining soil. Water regularly while it is actively growing, then let the mix become drier between waterings as flowering finishes. In a cool climate, grow it in a large container that can move to a bright, frost-free shelter for winter. In warm regions, provide a sunny support and prune to maintain the trained framework. ## Seasonal interest Showy bracts provide warm-season color, while the woody framework adds structure in a sheltered setting. Flowering and bract color vary among selections, so allow the individual plant’s display to guide nearby color combinations. ## Maintenance Tie new growth to the desired framework and prune after flowering or in late winter before vigorous growth begins. Keep container plants on the drier side during cool winter storage. Wear gloves when pruning because stems may be thorny, and check sheltered plants for whitefly, mealybugs, and aphids.