Bougainvillea is a vigorous evergreen vine in the four o'clock family (Nyctaginaceae) native to South America. Some cultivars grow as erect bushes or as dwarfed forms. Bougainvillea is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 12, but can be grown in zones 8 and below in containers given winter protection. Three flowers are borne at each stem node, with flowers surrounded by three bracts, resulting in thick plant coverage with masses of color. Bract colors can be white, pale to deep pink, magenta, various shades of red, purple, mauve, lavender, gold, peach, orange, salmon and some color combinations. Colors can change as bracts age and can be deeper or paler depending on where the plant is grown.
