A thorny, vigorous evergreen climber celebrated for its dazzling, long-lasting papery bracts in vivid magenta and purple surrounding tiny white true flowers. Thrives in heat and revels in poor, dry soils.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 8 m H × 5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Paper Flower
Botanically, Bougainvillea glabra is a fast-growing climber in the Nyctaginaceae family. It reaches around 8 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Purple and pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Paper Flower
Paper Flower suits tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Paper Flower does best in sandy, free-draining and poor soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 3 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Paper Flower performs well with relatively little water once established. A light spring feed is usually enough to maintain steady growth. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Paper Flower after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Expect a moderate maintenance care workload once it is established.
Using Paper Flower in the garden
Paper Flower earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Paper Flower with species that also favour happy on low water and tropical climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
Good to know
It is thorny — useful as a barrier, but wear gloves when pruning.
Buying Paper Flower
Plant Sale lists Paper Flower as potted plants and advanced specimens. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
