Bougainvillea spectabilis White

The White Bougainvillea spectabilis, like all bougainvilleas, is a climbing plant emblematic of Mediterranean coasts but also of the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal, areas where the sun reigns supreme and is always spared from 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 beautiful small heart-shaped floral bracts, of a bright white color, surrounding a rather insignificant tiny flower. Gardeners in more continental climates will cultivate it in a large pot, to be stored in a cool and bright place during winter, kept frost-free.

Bougainvillea spectabilis Blanc, 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'.

White Bougainvillea spectabilis is a fast-growing climbing bush, whose long branches cling to their support through woody and hooked spines. 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 brilliant white colour, 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 white 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.