Bougainvillea

The Bougainvillea is a hardy and versatile plant. It can grow on a wall or a trellis or it can be pruned to be a more compact patio or garden plant. Particular pruning can even shape the Bougainvillea like you would for a bonsai. Bougainvillea is a tropical plant and is best when the night temps are at least 65 and up and the days up into the 90's. They are frost sensitive and does best in zones 9 and 10 but that's not to say they don't do well in other places. If taken care of during the cold winters they should do fine. They can be planted in the ground but is recommended that if you live in zones colder than zone 9 and 10 that they be dug up and brought in during the winter or preferably a pot grown plant. In the cooler zones if planted in the ground they could be used as an annual. They usually do not bloom indoors.  They thrive in the sun and even like the soil a little dry. They also like to be a little root bound. Bougainvillea is a thorny plant too and has heart shaped leaves. It is a proficient bloomer if the right conditions are met. It is at it's peak when the nights and days are mostly equal which is in the spring and the fall. Bougainvillea will bloom at least as much or even more in the winter than it does in the spring. Standard fertilizer is not recommended - instead the formula should be 6-8-10. This puts nitrogen levels where there will be green but  not a lot and the energy goes into making flowers and keeping the plant more compact.

I hope this helps you if you purchse a Bougainvillea for your gardens.