Bougainvilleas are named after the Frenchman Admiral Louis de Bougainville (1729-1811), who brought these tropical beauties back to France from their native Brazil. In the ensuing years, the plants scrambled across the Mediterranean basin, enjoying southern Europe's warm summers and mild winters.
Modern-day hybrids of the species Bougainvillea spectabilis and B. glabra produce masses of exotic blooms in a spectrum of fiery colours, from the traditional magenta of B. 'Brilliance', the purple of B. 'Purple Robe' and the true red of B. 'Barbara Karst', through to the gentler lilac shades of B. formosa, the lipstick pink of B. 'Killie Campbell', the surprising gold of B. 'Lady Mary Baring' and the brilliant white of B. 'Apple Blossom'. The flowers themselves do not provide the colour – they are tiny, almost insignificant, creamy yellow trumpets tucked inside the flamboyant leaf bracts. The bracts' tissue paper-like quality has led to the bougainvillea being commonly known as the paper flower. But do not be fooled by the innocent sound of this – they grow on lengthy clambering boughs that are heavily armed with ferocious spines.

HOW TO GROW THEM
While they are vigorous evergreen climbing vines, bougainvilleas can also be grown in a fan shape, as a bush or even in hanging baskets, and they offer colour that lasts for months. As temperatures fall, they become dormant and require warmth to awaken them. To keep them compact and in good shape, they need to be pruned after each flush of flowers.
Although fairly hungry plants, bougainvilleas often produce a better strength of colour when under stress – in slightly dry conditions or where root growth is restricted. For this reason they do well in terracotta pots, which tend to remain drier, and can be moved inside for the winter. However, copious amounts of bright sunlight are essential to ensure a prolonged show of colourful bracts.
In Britain, it is relatively easy to grow bougainvilleas outside, given the previously mentioned requirements; otherwise, they can be grown in a well ventilated greenhouse, or across the inside of a conservatory roof where they will create some shade for other specimens.

WHERE TO BUY THEM
• Buy bougainvilleas from Westdale Nurseries, Holt Road, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1TS, (01225) 863258.
• See bougainvilleas at The Peto Garden, Iford Manor, Iford, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 2BA, (01225) 863146.

AUGUST 2005
FEATURE JACKY HOBBS
PHOTOGRAPHS MICHELLE GARRETT