Bougainvillea sp. (Bougainvillea)

Very vigorous, evergreen, woody vines with spines. Although normally climbers, they can be trained to stay bushy as pot plants, hanging baskets, or as standard 3 or 4 feet high. They will bloom beautifully on branches on 18"-20" long. Keep all long shoots cut back to 18"-20" for best bloom. The vibrant color of this vine comes not from the small white tubular flowers, but from the 3 large paper-like bracts that surround each flower. Winter bloomer, likes very dry conditions it is a very good salt tolerant. Accent plant, often used as a hedge. See article about Bougainvillea.