Bougainvillea is a popular flowering bush or wood vine that can be seen along the Valley’s freeways. Brilliant in color and it loves the Arizona sun.
Bougainvillea is a thorny evergreen bush or vine that grows fairly quickly, doesn’t need much water and loves soaking up the rays.
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Everything You Need to Know to Grow Bougainvillea in Phoenix
Bougainvillea, pronounced “boo-guhn-vi-lee-uh,” is one of the few plants that you can grow in west facing Phoenix gardens. It needs at least 6 hours of sun. Once established, Bougainvillea can survive and thrive with very little human interference. It does need well-draining soil.
If you want to cover a block wall or train it on a trellis Bougainvillea is a great choice. Before you start digging:
- How does a Bougainvillea climb ?
- How fast does it grow?
- Is the vine drought tolerant?
- Is the vine evergreen?
- When does Bougainvillea bloom and are the flowers scented?
- What time of year can I find Bougainvillea at the local nurseries?
- How do I care for Bougainvillea vines?
Vines to Grow in Phoenix Arizona: Bougainvillea
I love bougainvillea for their outstanding color and rate of growth. When left untamed they are quite striking with aloes and other succulents.
Bougainvillea is native to South America and is available in many colors including: purple, yellow, white, and various shades of red. They are from the Nyctaginaceae family.
How does a Bougainvillea climb ?
If not trained bougainvillea will grow out like a rambling wild bush.
How Fast Does it Grow?
Bougainvillea grows very quickly.
Is the Vine Drought Tolerant?
Yes, once established bougainvillea is drought tolerant. It does well here in the desert climate.
Is the Vine Evergreen?
Bougainvillea are messy, so I wouldn’t advise planting them near a pool. However, the leaves stay green year round.
When does Bougainvillea bloom and are the flowers scented?
The most interesting thing about Bougainvillea are the flowers. Many people don’t realize that the brilliant pinks and purples on the vine are not the flower, but rather the bracts. The tiny trumpet shaped white flower is tucked within the colorful bracts.
What time of year can I find Bougainvillea at the local nurseries?
How do I care for Bougainvillea vines?
Bougainvillea vines can be messy on a windy day, so don’t plant too close to a pool. They are cold sensitive, so they should be covered during frost warnings. Bougainvillea are not fussy plants, once established there is not much you’ll need to do to care for them.