IconicBougainvillea glabra / spectabilis · Nyctaginaceae
Magenta Bougainvillea
The iconic electric magenta variety that covers walls across India. Extremely vigorous and the most reliable bloomer of the family.
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Light
●●●●●
Full sun only. Needs 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight to bloom well.
Watering
Every 3 to 4 days in summer, weekly or less in winter. Slight drought stress triggers flowering.
About Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is the plant behind those breathtaking walls of colour you see on Indian bungalows. Its papery bracts come in electric shades and appear in waves through the warm months. It loves sun, tolerates neglect, and actually blooms harder when kept slightly root bound and dry.
Botanical name
Bougainvillea glabra / spectabilis
Family
Nyctaginaceae
Origin
South America, beloved across urban India
Local names
Boganvellia, Kagaz ke phool, Paper Flower, Booganbel
Uses
- ✓Covering boundary walls, gates and pergolas
- ✓Show stopping terrace and balcony pots
- ✓Bonsai and trained forms
- ✓Low water landscaping
Watering Guide
Every 3 to 4 days in summer, weekly or less in winter. Slight drought stress triggers flowering.
- •Underwater rather than overwater, dryness triggers blooms
- •Water deeply but only when the soil has dried out
- •A thirsty bougainvillea flowers, a pampered one grows only leaves
- •Reduce watering sharply in winter dormancy
Soil Mix Recipe
- Garden soil2 parts
- Sand1 part
- Compost1/2 part
- Brick pieces or gravel at the pot baseA thin layer for drainage
Best Practices
- ★Keep it slightly root bound in a smallish pot for maximum flowering
- ★Prune hard after each flowering wave, blooms come on new wood
- ★Wear gloves when pruning, the thorns are serious
- ★Feed sparingly, too much nitrogen means all leaves and no colour
Growth Journey
Watch your Bougainvillea grow, from day one to full glory
Settling in
Month 1
Height: 30 to 45 cm
New canes
Month 2 to 4
Height: 60 to 90 cm
First colour wave
Month 4 to 6
Height: 1 to 1.5 m
Established
Year 1 to 2
Height: 2 to 3 m
The Complete Bougainvillea Care Manual
Everything on this page and more, in a beautiful PDF you can keep on your phone: care calendar, troubleshooting, growth stages and expert tips for every variety.