Bougainvillea is a plant native to South America, specifically Brazil,
Peru, and Argentina. They belong to the Nyctaginaceae family and are
widely known for their vibrant, colourful bracts and rapid growth. It is
named after a French explorer/botanist, Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who
encountered the plant during his travels in the 18th century.
They
are thorny, climbing shrubs known for their colourful, vibrant bracts,
which are modified leaves that surround the tiny, tubular white and yellow
flowers. Bougainvillea has a climbing habit and can reach great heights
when supported by walls. Depending on the size, they can grow up to 0.9-12
metres tall and 1-8.6 metres wide. They bloom from spring to autumn,
mostly flowering throughout the warmer months.
Bougainvillea is a stunning flower that is a favourite to many who have
fallen in love with its cheery appearance and brightly colored petals.
Considered a traditional bloom, this variety has long been planted by New
Englanders in and around their homes, even though its original origin
traces back to tropical climates. Native to the Caribbean Islands, Rio de
Janeiro, and South America, this bloom is frequently used as a symbol in
the cultures of countries such as Brazil and Granada, celebrating the
beauty and charm of the species. Grown in shades of red, orange, pink,
white and some variegated tri-colours, the soft and delicate “paper-like”
petals have made it famous across the world. In some nations, such as Guam
and Granada, bougainvillea is so special that it has become the official
flower where it is purposefully grown in abundance. In many of these
places, you can see these flowers blooming everywhere, from the side of
the road to gorgeous cascades drifting across rooftops and down the
walls.
The symbolic meaning of bougainvillea varies from one part of the globe to
another, but most people say it symbolises welcome and beauty. Hawaii is a
prime example of a place that sometimes replaces the orchids used in leis
with bougainvillea florets on special occasions. In other cultures, the
plant is considered a symbol of peace and an encourager of free trade
between two entities.
In floral design, these beauties can
really lift a drab arrangement and fill it with interesting texture and
hues. Although the flowers are not prone to cold winter weather here in
New England, shipments will occasionally be flown into Boston during the
warmer months of the year. There is also the possibility of finding a
native supplier who harvests this variety during temperate periods of the
calendar. In this case, invest in buying a bundle of branches that you can
take home and showcase in a tall, clear vase. Other ideas for using
bougainvillea include potting it in small ceramic containers for your
windowsill or transferring it to a hanging basket where the branches can
flow freely. Either way you choose, this stunner is a perfect addition to
any flower lover's collection.
Today, we have the wonderful Koda Sloane here to answer some questions. :D
Anya: What do bougainvillea mean to you?
Koda Sloane: I find them strange and very close to home. I found out one day that the more you neglect them, the more they bloom. You will see them a lot in very hot countries where the sun burns your skin. But you will see these vibrant flowers bloom with their bright pink colour. They're somewhat like me. The hardship is hidden by the bold colours I choose to wear.
Anya: What is your favourite shade of bouganvillea?
Koda: The magenta ones because you can see them from miles away. And they will always catch your eyes no matter what!
Anya: If a bougainvillea could speak, what would
it say?
Koda: They tell me to grow despite the hardships that come my way. Even if the Great Wall of China stood before me, it tells me to grow over it and conquer!
Anya: That will be all. Thank youu :D.