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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
high
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
low (1000 ppm)
Hardiness
:
-3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
climbers
Height
:
5 m-12 m
Spread
:
4 m-5 m
Foliage
:
semi-evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
purple, violet,
magenta, pink,
red, orange,
white
Size
:
2 cm - 4 cm
Period
:
April - June
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
achene
Fruit size
:
0.4 cm
Bougainvillea, or janamiyah in Arabic, is a woody climber with an armour of strong thorns. It
provides vivid splashes of colour in an arid environment and grows well in Arriyadh, although
it will tolerate only a few degrees below freezing. On appropriate supports, it may reach a height
of 10 metres with relatively fast growth rate. It tolerates full sun, wind if trained well on its sup-
port. The plant’s vigorous nature necessitates frequent attention and the branches require strong
trellises or pergolas. In favourable conditions, the foliage is evergreen, while the tiny flower itself
is white and insignificant. Much more spectacular are the clusters of papery bracts that come
in shades of violet, magenta, pink, red, orange and white. Good drainage, nutrient-rich soil and
frequent irrigation allow it to grow rapidly and produce a multitude of flowers from spring till
autumn. During the winter months, the plants survive with little and should not be fertilised,
in order to allow the plants to rest. Urban microclimates and drought are also tolerated, but at
the cost of appearance. Bougainvillea glabra ‘Mini Thai’ is a dwarf variety with purple bracts. It
grows slowly to a hemispherical, compact shrub 1.5 metres high and about 2 metres wide. This
plant is best suited to growing in containers. Propagation is easy by means of hardwood cuttings
in spring. Offshoots should be covered during rooting to ensure high humidity. Winter pruning
of frost-damaged wood should be avoided, because it shelters new growth from surviving wood.
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Bougainvillea glabra,
Nyctaginaceae
Bougainvillea,
Paper Flower, janamiyah