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Description
Bring home the vibrant charm of Bougainvillea Red – the Paper Flower known for its bold red bracts and lush green foliage. This hardy, fast-growing plant thrives in Indian climates and offers year-round colour with minimal care. Perfect for gardens, balconies, or terraces, it adds beauty, attracts butterflies, and brings tropical elegance to any space.
| Plant Type | Air Layered, Bushy Plant |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae |
| Botanical Name | Bougainvillea spectabilis |
| Common Name | Bougainvillea Red, Paper Flower |
| First Bloom | In 2 months |
| Flower Colour | Red bracts with white flower |
| Fragrance | No |
| Ideal Temperature | 20°C to 38°C |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Plant Height | 1.5 feet |
| Flowering Frequency | Throughout The Year |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Maintenance Required | Moderate |
🌺 Why Choose Bougainvillea Red?
Stunning Crimson Bracts:
These papery, petal-like bracts in brilliant red aren’t just eye-catching – they symbolise passion and vitality in your garden.
Drought-Tolerant & Low Maintenance:
Ideal for Indian climates, this Bougainvillea spectabilis variety thrives in the sun and doesn’t demand frequent watering once established.
Year-Round Blooms in Warm Climates:
Enjoy a nearly continuous bloom cycle with the right sunlight and care.
Attracts Butterflies & Birds:
Makes your garden come alive with colour and activity.
🌼 Blooms & Beauty
Bracts:
The vibrant red, paper-like bracts are the true stars of Bougainvillea Red. Often mistaken for petals, these long-lasting modified leaves bloom in large clusters and provide a stunning splash of colour.
Flowers:
Hidden within the bracts are small, white, tubular flowers rich in nectar.
Leaves:
Dark green, oval-shaped, and leathery, the leaves offer a rich contrast to the red bracts. Arranged along thorny stems, they form dense foliage—great for natural hedges or privacy screens.
Fragrance:
Bougainvillea Red is non-fragrant, making it ideal for those who prefer colourful blooms without strong scents. Its vivid appearance and pollinator-friendly nature more than make up for the lack of aroma.
🌸 Growing Conditions
☀️ Sunlight:
Bougainvillea Red thrives in full sun and is a true sun-loving plant.
Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for vibrant red blooms and healthy growth.
The more sunlight it receives, the more flowers it will produce.
Place in a south or west-facing location to maximise sunlight exposure.
In shady areas, the plant may still grow but will produce fewer flowers and become leggy.
If grown indoors or on a semi-shaded balcony, move it outdoors regularly to maintain its blooming cycle.
🌡️ Temperature:
Bougainvillea thrives in warm, tropical climates, making it ideal for most regions in India.
Grows best in temperatures between 20°C to 38°C during the day.
Not frost-tolerant and may get damaged if temperatures drop below 5°C.
In colder regions, grow Bougainvillea in containers so they can be moved to a protected area during winter.
🌱 Soil:
Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Use a mix of garden soil, sand or perlite, and compost for best results.
Avoid heavy clay soil as it retains too much water.
Prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0 for healthy growth and blooming.
💧 Watering:
Drought-tolerant once established, but needs regular watering during the growing phase.
Water deeply only when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Avoid shallow, frequent watering as it leads to weak root development.
In summer, water more often, especially for container-grown plants.
In winter, reduce watering significantly.
Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and root rot
🪴 Pot Size:
Use a pot or grow bag that is 18 to 24 inches wide and deep with proper drainage holes.
Bougainvillea can grow large, so ample root space is essential.
For bushy growth, prune regularly.
Repot only when root-bound to avoid disturbing the plant unnecessarily.
🌿 Fertiliser:
Apply fertiliser every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers as they encourage leaf growth over flowers.
Use fertilisers low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium for better blooming.
Organic options like fish amino acid (early blooming), bone meal (strong roots & flowers), and vermicompost (soil health & pest resistance) are ideal.
Always water after applying fertiliser to prevent root burn.
✂️ Pruning:
Regular pruning helps maintain shape and boosts blooming.
Prune after each flowering cycle to remove dead branches and promote new growth.
Since it blooms on new growth, pruning directly improves flower production.
Lightly trim tips during the growing season to keep a compact, bushy form, especially in pots.
Avoid hard pruning just before the dormant season.
🐛 Pests:
Watch for mealybugs, aphids, or scale. Treat early with neem oil or organic pest control like Beauveria bassiana.
🛡️ Common Issues:
Yellowing leaves:
Usually from overwatering or poor drainage.
Few blooms:
Often due to low sunlight or excessive nitrogen fertiliser.
Leaf drop:
Can happen due to cold, sudden change in environment, or stress.
Root rot:
Caused by soggy soil—always ensure good drainage.
⚠️ Caution: Mildly Toxic
The sap may cause skin irritation, and ingestion can lead to discomfort in pets or humans. Handle with care, especially around children and pets.
✨ A Colourful and Resilient Garden Delight!
Whether you're an experienced gardener or a plant-loving beginner, Bougainvillea Red is your go-to for a colourful, resilient, and rewarding plant. It's no wonder it's one of the most loved paper flower plants in India!
Note: There are quite a few processes and steps to be done by us to make sure the plants are shipped very safely. Hence please allow us 5-7 business days for processing and shipping your orders. Orders are usually shipped on Mondays and Tuesdays to ensure that the shipments are not held up during weekends.
Plants if damaged while transit will be replaced free of cost. We will need uncut unboxing video for processing the replacement
