Appearance

Growth form

An evergreen, thorny climber that sprawls over a fence or other support. It grows about 10–20 ft (3–6 m) tall.

Leaves

Oval or elongated leaves, about 3–6 in (8–15 cm) long, are generally smooth and may have a few small hairs.

Flowers

Tiny white flowers sit among papery bracts that are usually pink, red, or purple. Garden varieties may show other colors.

Flowering time

In North Carolina gardens, it blooms in spring and summer.

Look-alikes

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• Gardens and yards
• Fences and trellises
• Containers and greenhouses

Range

Native to eastern and southern Brazil. In the U.S., it is grown in warm regions and has naturalized in parts of Florida, Texas, and Hawaii.

Preferred conditions

Grows best in full sun and well-drained soil in warm climates. In colder climates, gardeners often use containers.

Growing it

Care

Full sun encourages flowering. Water deeply, then allow the soil to dry somewhat before watering again.

Propagation

Can be propagated from stem cuttings.

Toxicity

Stems have sharp, curved thorns that can scratch skin.

Name and classification

About the name

Garden bougainvilleas can be hybrids, so a colorful plant may not be this species. Bougainvillea × buttiana is a hybrid of this species and Bougainvillea peruviana. Paper flower is also called lesser bougainvillea.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

LCLeast Concern·Low risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories

• Its thin, papery bracts explain the name “paper flower.”