Bougainvillea spectabilis Purple Violet

The purple Bougainvillea spectabilis, like all bougainvilleas, is a climbing plant emblematic of Mediterranean coasts, as well as the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal, regions where the sun reigns without competition, 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 meters (16 to 26 feet) in all directions. It is also loved for the magnificent spectacle of its intense flowering, with beautiful small heart-shaped floral bracts in a bright deep purple, surrounding a rather insignificant tiny flower. Gardeners in cooler continental climates should cultivate it in a large pot, storing it in a cool and bright place during winter, keeping it frost-free.

The purple Bougainvillea spectabilisbelongs 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'.

Bougainvillea spectabilis Purple is a fast-growing climbing bush, whose long branches cling to their support through woody and hooked thorns. Under favourable conditions, the plant will reach 8 metres (26 feet) in height 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 bracts that surround them, modest in size in this variety but of a deep purple, that catch the eye from afar. Their delicate and crinkled texture is reminiscent of tissue paper (in English, this flower is called 'Paper Flower').

The purple Bougainvillea 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.