Bougainvillea
5
5Will it grow where I live?
Bougainvillea is not winter-hardy in Central Europe (zone 9): outdoors from spring to autumn only, otherwise a container plant overwintered frost-free. It also needs warm summers – in Central Europe that means wine-growing regions, cities or a sheltered south-facing wall.
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Profile
- Family
- Nyctaginaceae
- Habit
- Shrub
- Height
- 5 m
- Spread
- 4 m
- Growth
- fast
- Lifespan
- 55 years
- First yield
- after 2 years
- Hardiness
- zone 9–11
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Soil
- Sand, Silt, Loam
- Soil moisture
- very dry – moist
- pH
- 5.5 – 7.5
- Synonyms
- G. chilensis. G. scabra.
Flowering & harvest
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowering |
Uses
Medicinal: Respiratory conditions: Extracts of the leaves and flowers are used to relieve coughs, asthma, bronchitis and hoarseness. They are often brewed as a tea. Anti-inflammatory: The plant is credited with anti-inflammatory properties. Antibacterial/antiviral: Traditionally it is used to treat infections and fever. Studies suggest certain antimicrobial properties, but these require further research. Wound healing: In some areas the sap or poultices made from the leaves are used to support wound healing.
Other uses: Ornamental plant: This is its most important use worldwide. It is grown for its spectacular, long-lasting floral display in gardens, parks and as a container plant in many climate zones. Screening and hedging: Thanks to its fast, dense growth it is excellent as a natural privacy screen on fences, walls and pergolas. Erosion control: In some regions it is planted on slopes to bind the soil with its root system and prevent erosion.
Origin & habitat
Brazil
Coastal forests, slopes, mesas (tablelands) and disturbed rocky soils.
⚠️ Hazards
Bougainvillea glabra contains saponins and can cause problems on skin contact and if swallowed: Skin irritation (dermatitis): The plant sap, especially in the leaves and stems, can cause allergic reactions, redness, itching or blistering in sensitive people. Wearing gloves when pruning the plant is recommended. Poisoning symptoms if swallowed: All parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, stems) are slightly toxic. If ingested by people or pets (dogs, cats), symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach upset and diarrhea may occur. The toxicity is generally rated as low to moderate, but no fatal poisonings are known. Thorns: The physical danger from the sharp, pointed thorns should not be underestimated. They can cause painful wounds and carry a risk of secondary infections.
Frequently asked questions
Bougainvillea: how big does it get?
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra) grows as a Shrub and reaches roughly 5 m in height when mature, with a spread of about 4 m. Growth is fast.
Bougainvillea: what site does it need?
Bougainvillea tolerates light shade. Suitable soils are Sand, Silt, Loam. Soil moisture should be in the range very dry – moist. The pH may lie between 5.5 and 7.5.
Bougainvillea: is it hardy?
Bougainvillea is listed as hardy in zone 9–11 and survives normal winters outdoors there.
Bougainvillea: will it grow in Central Europe?
Bougainvillea is not winter-hardy in Central Europe (zone 9): outdoors from spring to autumn only, otherwise a container plant overwintered frost-free. It also needs warm summers – in Central Europe that means wine-growing regions, cities or a sheltered south-facing wall.
Bougainvillea: when does it flower?
In a temperate northern-hemisphere climate it flowers from June to October.
Bougainvillea: is it poisonous?
No toxicity is recorded for Bougainvillea. With wild plants, never rely on a database alone — only on a confident identification.
Bougainvillea: what is it used for?
Rated on a scale up to 10: Medicinal 5/10, Other uses 5/10.
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