Paper flower

Climber · Shrub

Bougainvillea glabra

Paper flower

A vigorous thorny climber smothered in vivid magenta papery bracts through summer in warm, sunny gardens.

  • Full sun
  • 4–8 m (13–26 ft)
  • 2.5–4 m (8–13 ft)
  • H1c · Zone 11
  • May–September
  • Semi evergreen
  • RHS Award of Garden Merit

Overview

Paper flower or lesser bougainvillea is a thorny, scrambling climber whose tiny white flowers are surrounded by bright magenta, papery bracts for months in warm weather.

It needs a minimum of about 5–10°C (41–50°F) and is hardy outdoors only in USDA zones 9–11. In Mediterranean, subtropical and tropical climates it covers walls and pergolas to 6 m (20 ft) and tolerates drought, salt spray and wind; in cooler climates grow it in a pot that winters under glass.

Give full sun and well-drained, slightly acid soil; alkaline soil can cause yellow leaves.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun
Height 4–8 m (13–26 ft)
Spread 2.5–4 m (8–13 ft)
Hardiness H1c · Zone 11
Flowers May–September
Soil Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Arching, Upright
Water Low
Maintenance Moderate

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature 5°C (41°F)
pH Range 5–7
Fertility Average
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Site Tolerance

  • Wind
  • Coastal
  • Salt
  • Drought

Soil Tolerance

  • Clay
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH

Foliage

Persistence Semi evergreen
Colour Green
Leaf shape / texture ovate

Foliage interest: 12 months of the year

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Propagate
  • Flowering May Jun Jul Aug Sep
  • Foliage 12 months of the year
  • Propagate Feb Mar Jun Jul Aug

How to propagate

Ways to grow more Paper flower:

Semi-ripe cuttings Jun Takes a little care

You'll need: Rooting hormone, bottom heat

  1. Take 10 cm (4 in) semi-ripe cuttings with a heel
  2. Dip in rooting hormone
  3. Root in gritty compost at 21–24°C (70–75°F)
How long
15 minutes
It's worked when
medium
Then
Pot on carefully; roots are brittle.
Layering Mar Easy

You'll need: Pot of compost, wire peg

  1. Bend a low stem to a pot of compost
  2. Wound the underside and peg it down
  3. Sever once rooted
How long
15 minutes
It's worked when
high
Then
Grow on in warmth.

Semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings with bottom heat; layer low stems in early spring.

Maintenance Calendar

  • Feb Shorten side shoots to a few buds and tie in leaders
  • May Feed with a balanced feed, then high potash once bracts colour
  • Jun Move pots outside to a sunny wall once nights stay mild
  • Sep Reduce watering and stop feeding
  • Oct Bring pots under cover with a minimum of 10°C (50°F)

Garden Design

Works well in: Mediterranean, Tropical / Exotic

Train on a warm wall or pergola in frost-free climates, or grow in a pot to move under glass. Flowers best when slightly root-bound and on the dry side.

Companion planting: Hibiscus, Palms, Agaves, Lantanas

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Butterflies

Safety

  • Skin irritant

Stems carry sharp hooked thorns; wear gloves. Sap can irritate sensitive skin.