Bougainvillea Trees
The bougainvillea plant is a long-lasting versatile plant that may be manipulated into nearly any shape. Bougainvillea plants may be fashioned into a small tree or maintained to a short height as a ground cover. Of 14 species, three species are considered horticulturally significant. Bougainvilleas are also available as hybrids. Does this Spark an idea?
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Ornamental Traits
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The bougainvillea tree is an evergreen vine that displays flowers throughout the entire year and in greatest abundance during the spring and winter seasons. The flowers of the bougainvillea tree contain large bracts (modified leaves that resemble petals) that surround tiny white to yellow flowers. Bract colors include purple, lavender, red, yellow, white and orange, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension Service. A climbing plant, bougainvillea will ascend the structure provided and does not have a maximum height but will reach a spread of 15 to 40 feet.
History
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A subtropical to tropical plant, the bougainvillea is native to Brazil. It was first found in Rio De Janeiro by a botanist traveling with French Admiral Louis Antoine de Bougainville. They brought the tropical vine with them back to France in 1760 and the cultivated plant, named after the admiral, first emerged outside of its native land in 1830 in Paris, France. Widely planted throughout the United States, its first established blooming took place in England.
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Care Requirements
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The bougainvillea tree thrives in full sunlight to light shade and prefers well-drained, acid soil. You may plant your bougainvillea in any fashion, whether cascading out of a basket or as ground cover, but as a tree, simply maintain its shape through pruning and shaping. Tolerances include clay or sand, slightly alkaline soil and drought conditions. Avoid heavy shade and keep in temperatures higher than 58 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Water bougainvilleas once soil is dry; overwatering may damage your plant, according to the University of Hawaii at Manoa Cooperative Extension Service.
Problems
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Make sure your soil is acid or only slightly alkaline as alkaline soil may cause chlorosis in bougainvilleas. Chlorosis is the lack of development of chlorophyll, the necessary substance in plants that gives them a green appearance and absorbs energy from the sun for conversion to energy for plant function. Though bougainvilleas are resistant to most problems, worms that chew through leaves and aphids that feed on plant juices may appear and cause disease. Look for holes in leaves or wilting, dropping or yellowing of leaves. If symptoms appear, collect and destroy any affected plant parts and treat your plant depending on the particular problem at hand. Keeping your bougainvillea vigorous through proper maintenance will keep your plants less susceptible to infestation.
Significant Species
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The three horiticulturally significant species of bougainvilleas are B. spectabilis, B glabra and B peruviana. B. spectabilis was the first recognized species; these bougainvilleas display large leaves and hair-covered foliage. Flower bracts are available in white, red, dark pink or purple with cream-hued flowers. B. glabra species is an evergreen climbing plant with elliptical green solid or variegated leaves; this species is hairless and displays bracts in purple or white hues with cream to white flowers. B. peruviana is also an evergreen climbing bougainvillea with thin leaves and green bark; bracts are available in pink or magenta with yellow flowers, according to the University of Hawaii at Manoa Cooperative Extension Service. Additionally, hybrid bougainvilleas are widely planted; Bougainvillea x buttiana, a cross of B. glabra and B. peruviana is the most widely grown hybrid with large leaves, lightly hairy foliage and bracts in red or dark pink with cream flowers.
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References
- Photo Credit Red Orange Bougainvillea image by verdantspaces from Fotolia.com
