Bougainvillea

It can be a small shrub of 60cm,  as well as 12 metres climber, scrambling over other plants with its spiky thorns. In tropical countries like Vietnam, it is mostly evergreen all the year, with small green leaves. The inflorescence, visible all the year in tropical countries, is made of a white heart and a few colorful bracts, pink, magenta, purple, red, orange, white, or yellow. Some species have also been created to wear multiple colors of flowers.

In the landscape, it makes an excellent hot season plant, and its drought tolerance makes it ideal for warm climates year-round. Its high salt tolerance makes it a natural choice for colour in coastal regions. It can be pruned into a standard, but is also grown along fence lines, on walls, in pots and hanging baskets, and as a hedge or an accent plant.  It can be kept as indoor houseplants in temperate regions and kept small by bonsai techniques. 

The sap of bougainvillea can cause serious skin inflammation. However, the regular consumption of tea made from the dried flower can be used in medicine, for exemple : controlling diabetes (can prevent blood sugar levels from spiking), removing toxins and other harmful material from the body as a detox,  relieve the pain from stomach ulcers (anti-inflammatory properties), etc.

Thriving in sunny and warm conditions, Bougainvillea demands well-drained soil and minimal water.  The less the plant receive water, the more it will bloom. Some years after planting, it can become dry resistant.

Regular pruning not only maintains its shape but also encourages more blooms. Some people do the pollinisation process by hand themsleves, once a week during growing season to improve the blooming ability of blooming of the plant.