THE BOUGAINVILLEAS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 307, 28 December 1935, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE BOUGAINVILLEAS.

These are showy climbers which owe their beauty not to their inflorescence, but to the glowing bracts which surround the flowers and are often mistaken for the flowers. Regarded as a greenhouse plant it is hardier than is supposed and about Auckland does very well against a wall facing north. They are strong growers, actually scandeut shrubs. They like a good fibrous loam with good drainage, and when growing in summer will do with a good supply of water. To get the best results they should be pruned in a manner similar to that given to the vine, that is a main stem or two stems should be taken up, and every spring just as the plant is commencing to grow the laterals should be cut back to two or three buds. The inflorescence is borne on the current season's wood, and this method of pruning induces a vigorous growth with a partially pendant habit and which towards autumn will be a mass of highly coloured bracts hanging in large masses. There are several varieties. The original B. Glabra is still one of the best with rose lilac bracts, B. Breslenii a free flowering form of glabra, B. Sanderiana with magenta bracts, Trailli, deep purple magenta, Mrs. Butt, a clear pink, laterita terracotta, and variegata with variegated leaves. The best time to plant out is caidy summer. Procure plants in pots and put them out now that the soil is warm and the plants have every chance to get established before the cold weather sets in. Although a fast grower once established, it usually takes a year or so before the plant is 'sufficiently strong enough to give of its best.