Bougainvillea spectabilis

Bougainvillea spectabilis Orange, like all Bougainvilleas, is a climbing plant emblematic of our 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 species with generally evergreen leaves has a stronger growth compared to other bougainvillea species, reaching an average size of 5 to 8 m (16 to 26ft) in all directions. It is also loved for the magnificent spectacle of its flamboyant flowering, where one can truly admire the beautiful small heart-shaped floral bracts, in a warm orange colour turning pink, surrounding a rather insignificant tiny flower. Gardeners in more continental climates can cultivate it in a large pot, storing it indoors in a cool and bright space, protected from frost.

The Bougainvillea spectabilis Orange, better known as Bougainvillea, 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 a mild climate. 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'.

Bougainvillea spectabilis Orange is a fast-growing climbing bush, with long branches that cling to their support through woody and hooked thorns. 

Under good conditions, the plant will reach a height of 8 meters (26 feet) with a similar spread, 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 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 colour. The flowers bloom from May to September on 2-year-old branches. Grouped in panicles, they are white, tubular, and small. It is the bracts that surround them, of modest size in this variety but of a bright warm orange shade, that turns more pink at maturity.  Their delicate and crinkled texture is reminiscent of tissue paper (in English, this flower is called 'Paper Flower').

Bougainvillea spectabilis Orange 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.