Bougainvillea spectabilis Deep Red

Bougainvillea spectabilis Dark Red, 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 always spared from frost. This species with generally evergreen leaves has a stronger growth than other Bougainvillea species, reaching an average of 5 to 8 m (16 to 26ft) in all directions. It is also loved for its dark and intense flowering, which actually consists of pretty little heart-shaped floral bracts, sublimely dark red, surrounding a rather insignificant tiny flower. Gardeners in more continental climates should grow it in a large pot, storing it indoors in a cool and bright place during winter, keeping it frost-free.

Bougainvillea spectabilis Dark Red, better known as Bougainvillea, belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family, just like Mirabilis jalapa.  B. spectabilis is native to tropical forests in Brazil, but can now be found in many regions with mild climates, including California. In some regions, it is considered invasive. Some cultures attribute magical properties to it, such as in Reunion Island where you should not bring bougainvillea into houses because it is believed to bring bad luck. Spectabilis means spectacular.

Bougainvillea spectabilis Dark Red is a fast-growing climbing bush, whose long branches cling to their support thanks to woody and hooked spines. Under good conditions, the plant will reach 8 m (26ft) in height and almost the same in width, although these dimensions will be more modest if it is grown in a pot. The long flexible branches bear leaves that are more or less evergreen depending on the severity of the winter. They are entire, ovate to lanceolate, with a cordate base, more or less villous, with a slightly soft texture and a bright medium green colour. The flowers bloom from May to September on 2-year-old branches. Grouped in panicles, they are small, white, tubular flowers. It is the bracts that surround them, of modest size in this variety but of a deep red, that catch the eye from a distance. Their delicate and crinkled texture is reminiscent of tissue paper.

Bougainvillea spectabilis transports the gardener to distant horizons through the luxuriance of its flowering in extraordinary bursts of flowers, and vigorously covers where it pleases, a pergola, a large trellis, or even an entire south-facing facade of the house. It will only thrive in our mild climates, with plenty of sunshine and spared from heavy frost. Growing it in pots is entirely possible, allowing it to be displayed on a patio or terrace throughout the summer season.