Flower Highlight: Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a commonplace on St Croix. It is used for hedges because of its high salt tolerance which stands up well to the elements on an island. Many small birds, including baby chick hide in bougainvillea hedges and trees for safety against predators.

November 17, 2020

Bougainvillea can also be grown along fence lines, on walls, in containers or hanging baskets, and as a hedge or an accent plant.

Its long arching thorny branches bear heart-shaped leaves and masses of papery flowers in white, pink, orange, purple, and bright magenta. The many variations include the double-flowered, variegated, and the two-tones (which I’ve only seen growing in my father’s front yard) are available.