Some ‘ Like It Hot’ Yuletide Plants

BOUGAINVILLEA

DURING the rainy season ( April to October), everywhere appears lush and blooming with colourful flowers, when the season seizes, most of these plants stop blooming. The hot and dry harmattan takes over and it appears that this is the time some plants that really like it hot and don’t mind the dry climate come up to brighten the landscape.

For easy identification, breeders have given names to the various cultivars

BOUGAINVILLEA

Bougainvilleas are beautiful vine- like shrubs that come in a variety of vibrant colours and make for a stunning statement in any home or garden. They prefer hot tropical areas and can grow against a fence, building, on a trellis, in containers or as a hedge. With over 250 varieties of bougainvilleas out there, you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for your home! Bougainvilleas are tropical vines with beautiful and vibrant bracts ( modified leaves) which surround tiny white flowers. So, the colourful parts you see when you look at a bougainvillea are actually the leaves, not petals!

This stunning plant can be found in the warmest parts of the world, including Nigeria, Mexico, India, the Mediterranean and the southern United States. Bougainvilleas go all the way back to 1768 when French explorer Philibert Commerçon saw these flowers in their native home of Brazil and named them after his friend, Louis Antoine de Bougainville. Since then, this pretty ( but thorny!) plant has been introduced to many sunny climates and is loved by many.

Most of the Bougainvilleas reach between 3 to 39 feet in height. Though these vivid blooms are relatively easy to grow, they prefer to be in full sunlight and require a bit of maintenance.

Not all of us have garden space for planning in the ground, but we can use pots and containers instead.

Types of Bougainvilleas in pots Barbara Karst!

While widely known for their vivid colours and vine- like features, there are plenty of varieties out there that have unique characteristics to fit any garden aesthetic. Below are some of the most popular bougainvillea varieties that are best suited for container growth. When space is not available, of course they can also be planted in the ground like other varieties.

Considered one of the most popular varieties, this beautiful shrub grows bracts in bright shades of magenta and red that surround tiny white flowers. Once they’re fully mature, they can grow up to 20 feet high. If you live in hardiness zones 9- 12, consider the Barbara Karst!

Camarillo Fiesta

If you live in a hotter climate ( zone 11 or higher), consider getting Camarillo Fiestas. These fast- spreading vines love the heat and grow hot pink and gold bracts that can sometimes get up to 30 feet tall.

Gold Rush

These famous gold bracts will add a warm and inviting touch to your garden and prefer hardiness zones between 10 and 12. They can grow up to 15 feet high and bloom in early spring to late fall.

Cherry Blossom

As the name suggests, these bougainvilleas look quite similar to the cherry blossom tree. They grow in beautiful shades of light pink with a white centre and are perfect for hanging basket. This variety prefers to grow in har

diness zones 9- 11.

White Stripe

Looking for something more elegant? These stunning varieties grow clusters of white, round bracts. Because it tends to spread quickly, you’ll want to place it in a spiller container, where it can spill gracefully over the pot. White stripes like to be grown in hardiness

zones 11 and above.

White Madonna

Known for their fragrance, White Madonnas are often seen in shades of white and sometimes light pink. Be sure you provide moderate water and full sunlight to ensure the health and happiness of the plant. White

Madonnas prefer hardiness zones 8 or 9.

Silhouette

These gorgeous lilac paper leaves are the perfect accent to any garden or home and are quite easy to care for. Unlike other bougainvillea varieties, Silhouettes are slow- growing and

completely thornless, so if you have pets or young children, this may be a good choice for you. If you live in hardiness zone 10, this variety would do well in your garden.

Purple Queen

This variety comes in a deep shade of purple and you’ll often find small white flowers within the bracts. These bougainvilleas can grow up to 20 feet high and are perfect if you’re looking for a plant that creates a beautiful display in an outdoor setting. Keep in mind, these plants like a hardiness zone of 10 or higher.

Delta Dawn

If you want a more toned- down and subtle bougainvillea, Delta Dawns may be the perfect choice for you. The pastel orange bracts and creamy white leaves are a lovely addition to any home or patio, and they grow all yearround! Consider these plants if you live in a hardiness zone of 9 or 10.

How to Care for Bougainvillea in Pots Bougainvillea in pot

Bougainvilleas are dazzling shrubs of leaves and flowers that are moderately easy to grow. They are perfect for those who want a vibrant addition to their garden. However, they are sensitive to cold temperatures and require full sunlight, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them, especially in the early stages of growth.

Sunlight

Bougainvilleas love the heat! They require at least six hours of full sunlight a day and can handle even the hottest of climate. If you want your plant to produce an abundance of flowers, make sure it’s sitting in direct sunlight. Oftentimes when bougainvilleas struggle to bloom, it’s because they aren’t receiving enough light, which will cause the plant to look thin and sparse.