How to Manage Pests

Bougainvillea—Bougainvillea spp.
Family Nyctaginaceae (Four-o'clock family)

Plant Identification

Bougainvilleas are evergreen shrubby vines.  They are fast growing and can reach 15 to 30 feet.  Heart-shaped leaves sit on long, stiff, needlelike stems.  Vines can sit on fences, walls, or trellises.  Bougainvilleas produce bright single or double flowers from spring through fall and sometimes into winter.  Blossoms may be yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, or white. 

Optimum conditions for growth

Bougainvilleas are grown in many zones and found in planters or containers.  They do not tolerate freezing temperatures and must be moved inside where frost occurs. They prefer areas with full sun and require moderate to regular amounts of water especially during bloom.  Prune during the growing season to shape the plant, but don’t do any major pruning until after the bloom period. 

Red leaves of Bougainvillea