Bougainvillea spectabilis White Pink

The white-pink Bougainvillea spectabilis, like all Bougainvilleas, is a climbing plant emblematic of Mediterranean coasts but also of the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal, regions where the sun reigns supreme, always spared by 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 the magnificent display of its romantic flowering, which actually consists of pretty little heart-shaped floral bracts, in a tender and bright white-pink colour, surrounding a rather insignificant tiny flower. Gardeners in more continental climates will grow it in a large pot, to be stored indoors during winter in a cool and bright place, kept frost-free.

The white-pink Bougainvillea spectabilis, better known as Bougainvillea, belongs to the family of Nyctaginaceae, just like Mirabilis jalapa. B. spectabilis is native to the tropical forests of Brazil, but it 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 white-pink Bougainvillea spectabilis is a fast-growing shrub, 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, though it will remain more modest in size if grown in a pot. The long flexible branches bear leaves that are more or less evergreen depending on the severity of 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 in size. It is the bracts that surround them, modest in size in this variety but of a delicate and bright white-pink colour, that catch the eye from a distance. Their delicate and crinkled texture is reminiscent of tissue paper (in English, this flower is called 'Paper Flower').

The white-pink 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.