This bountiful beauty can be drought tolerant once established into the ground, and it attracts beneficial pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Conversely, it is deer resistant. You can find the bougainvillea in most retail nurseries. While the bougainvillea is gorgeous to look at, you’ll want to be careful when you interact with the plant. It’s known for its nail-like thorns! Here are a few popular bougainvillea varieties and the highlights of each: Bougainvillea can be grown either directly in the ground or in a pot, but since the plant tends to grow tall, you’ll need a large container if you want it to reach its full potential. Many people opt to place vining varieties up against a trellis or wall so they can climb. Bushier varieties tend to make a great hedge when they get large enough. While most bougainvillea varieties need lots of hot, direct sun and air circulation to thrive, there are some that can be kept as houseplants. If you are growing yours indoors, be sure to place it in a bright spot in well-draining soil. When temperatures drop, the plant tends to lose its leaves and flowers, and it could die if temperatures dip below freezing. Those who live in colder areas might want to look into varieties that can thrive as houseplants instead. If your bougainvillea is in a pot, watering once or twice a week is usually a good bet. If it’s in the ground, you’ll want to consistently check its soil to see if it actually needs water. To avoid overwatering and root rot, make sure it feels totally dry before you give it a good soak. When Carly’s not covering sustainability topics, she spends her time tackling social impact issues regarding the environment & its inhabitants, practicing self-reflection (on and off the mat), and reading memoirs from Black authors. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
