Bougainvillea	Indicates sun requirement      Full sun      Half sun      Semi-shade      Shade   Indicates Water requirement         High water requirement.     Water every 1-2 days.          Medium water requirement.     Water every 3-7 days.          Low water requirement.     Water every 7-14 days.
Description Large woody, scrambling creepers with hard, hooked thorns up to 3cm+ long. New dwarf varieties now available as well. The foliage is evergreen, but may be deciduous in cooler climates or where there is a severe dry season. The flowers are inconspicuous. However, the showy flower bracts that surround the flowers make a dazzling display in spring and summer. In more temperate climates the main flowering period is summer and autumn. In the tropics their finest display is in the dry season though they may flower on and off all year. An enormous range of cultivars exist and colours include white, gold, pink, orange, terracotta and scarlet red.
Growing Bougainvilleas are easy to grow and tolerate dry conditions, but need full sun. Use a free draining potting mix with a little sand added and plant in a situation where they are protected from cold winds. They are vigorous growers that are able to soon overpower a small yard. They can be pruned really hard with out ill effect. Pruning should be done after flowering to produce new wood. Can be grown in large containers and trained over pergolas, walls and fences where in time they make an impenetrable screen and serve as excellent perimeter protection for your property. Fertilise with liquid fertiliser during spring and summer and water well in hot weather. Do not overwater though as somewhat dryer conditions produce more flowers. In fact, once a plant is established it is virtually impossible to kill, which makes it a good plant for even drought stricken situations. Warm temperate coastal regions through to hot wet tropical climates are preferable.