Bougainvillea spectabilis Yellow

Bougainvillea spectabilis Yellow, like all bougainvilleas, is a climbing plant emblematic of Mediterranean coasts, as well as the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal, areas where the sun reigns supreme and is never affected by frost. This species, with generally evergreen leaves, has a stronger growth than other bougainvillea species, reaching an average size of 5 to 8 meters (16 to 26 feet) in all directions. It is also loved for the magnificent spectacle of its vibrant flowering, which actually consists of lovely small heart-shaped floral bracts, of a sunny and bright yellow, surrounding a rather insignificant tiny flower. Gardeners in cooler climates should cultivate it in a large pot, storing it in a cool and bright place during the winter, protected from freezing.

Bougainvillea spectabilis Yellow, belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family, just like Mirabilis jalapa. 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 Yellow Bougainvillea spectabilis is a fast-growing bush, whose long branches cling to their support with woody and hooked spines. Under good conditions, the plant can reach a height of 8 meters (26 feet) with a similar spread, although these dimensions 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 the winter. They are entire, ovate to lanceolate, cordate at the base, more or less villous, with a slightly soft texture and a bright medium green color. The flowers bloom from May to September on 2-year-old branches. Grouped in panicles, they are small, white, tubular flowers. It is the cheerful and warm yellow bracts surrounding them, of modest size in this variety, that catch the eye from afar. Their delicate and wavy texture is reminiscent of tissue paper (in English, this flower is called 'Paper Flower').

Bougainvillea spectabilis 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.