Bougainvillea glabra Sanderiana 'Alexandra'

Bougainvillea glabra 'Sanderiana', like all bougainvilleas, is a climbing plant emblematic of Mediterranean coasts but also of the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal, areas where the sun reigns supreme and is never affected by frost. This very popular species, with its semi-evergreen leaves, has a more compact growth than other bougainvillea species, reaching up to 5m (16ft) in height when planted in the ground, less when grown in a pot. One cannot help but marvel at the magnificent display of its vibrant flowers, which actually consists of beautiful small heart-shaped floral bracts, a bright and vivid pink-violet shade, that contrast deliciously with the discreet white flowers. Gardeners can cultivate it in a large pot, to be stored in a cool and bright room during winter, away from frost.

Bougainvillea glabra 'Sanderiana' belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family, just like Mirabilis jalap.  B. spectabilis is native to tropical forests in Brazil, but is now found in many regions with mild climates. In some regions, it is considered invasive. Some cultures attribute magical properties to it, like in Reunion Island where bringing Bougainvillea into the house is believed to bring bad luck. 'Spectabilis' means 'spectacular'.

The Bougainvillea glabra 'Sanderiana' is a shrub with relatively slow growth, its long branches cling to their support through woody and hooked spines. Under good conditions, the plant will reach 5m (16ft) in height and about 2m (7ft) in width, dimensions that will be more modest if it is grown in a pot. The long flexible branches bear more or less evergreen leaves depending on the severity of winter. They are entire, ovate and rounded, with a cordate base, glabrous, with a slightly soft texture and a vibrant medium green colour. The flowers bloom from May to September on 2-year-old branches. Grouped in panicles, they are white, tubular, small in size and highly appreciated by pollinators. It is the surrounding bracts, of medium size, 4 to 6 cm (2in) and a bright pink-violet, that catch the eye from afar. Their delicate and crinkled texture is reminiscent of tissue paper (in English, this flower is called 'Paper Flower'). As they age, the bracts will take on a beautiful old pink hue.

Bougainvillea glabra 'Sanderiana' transports the gardener, through the luxuriance of its flowering in extraordinary floral rockets, to distant horizons, and vigorously covers anywhere it likes, for exmple, a pergola, a large trellis, or even an entire south-facing facade of the house. It will truly thrive in mild climates, both very sunny and spared from heavy frosts. Growing it in pots is entirely possible, allowing it to be displayed on a patio or balcony throughout the summer season.