Bougainvillea is a spectacular tropical woody vine, instantly recognizable by its prolific, brilliant displays of color. This vigorous, sun-loving plant, native to South America, has been cultivated into hundreds of varieties that showcase an expansive palette of hues. Its dazzling visual impact is a primary reason for its global appeal in warm climates, where it often covers walls, arches, and trellises. The range of colors available is vast, extending far beyond the common magenta shades.
The Botanical Source of Bougainvillea’s Vibrant Colors
The structures that produce the plant’s intense color are not the true flowers but specialized, modified leaves known as bracts. These paper-thin, brightly pigmented structures serve to attract pollinators and form a highly visible envelope around the actual blossoms. The true flowers are inconspicuous and small, typically pale white or cream. The vibrant coloration of the bracts is primarily due to water-soluble pigments called betalains. These nitrogen-containing compounds are responsible for the red, purple, and magenta colors seen in the plant.
The Major Color Spectrum and Hues
Red and Pink
The most common Bougainvillea colors belong to the red and pink spectrum, often exhibiting a rich, almost fluorescent intensity. Hues range from a deep crimson to a shocking magenta, exemplified by cultivars like ‘San Diego Red.’ Pink variations span from delicate, soft rose to electric shades.
Purple
Purple tones are prominent, including shades of lavender, violet, and deep purple-magenta. The species Bougainvillea glabra is known for its purple-hued bracts. Color intensity can be affected by environmental factors; high light levels and stress often lead to a more concentrated, richer hue.
Orange and Yellow
The spectrum includes the warmer tones of oranges and yellows, which are less common than the pinks and purples. Yellow cultivars range from a pale, creamy butter color to a deep, radiant gold, such as ‘California Gold.’ Orange shades often present as fiery apricot or coppery terracotta.
White and Cream
The spectrum is completed by white and cream varieties, which contrast with the plant’s more vivid colors. Cultivars like ‘Bridal Bouquet’ offer a clean, elegant look. The white bracts often possess an almost luminous quality, especially in the evening light.
Specialized Cultivars and Variegated Forms
Horticultural breeding has expanded the color range beyond solid primary hues, leading to specialized and complex cultivars.
One notable development is the emergence of bi-colored varieties, where a single bract displays a transition between two distinct colors. For example, ‘Surprise’ may feature bracts that are pink at the edges and white toward the center.
Other varieties are known for their double-bracted structure, where the modified leaves are layered. This layering creates a fuller, more rose-like appearance and provides enhanced visual density. Cultivars like ‘Mahara Magic Red’ are examples of this complex form.
The color variation is not limited to the bracts; many popular cultivars feature variegated foliage. Varieties like ‘Raspberry Ice’ exhibit leaves with creamy white or yellow edges contrasting with the green center. This creates a multi-toned effect, providing visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.