Bougainvillea is a very famous flower from Brazil and belongs to the family of Nyctaginaceae. It is also known as paper flower because of the multi-coloured bracts that look like paper encircling the flower. Many variant names of bougainvillea include Bougainvillea spp.(scientific name), Bunga kertas, buginvila in Malaysia, kembang kertas in Indonesia and Ye Zi Hua in Mandarin.

Bougainvillea is an evergreen and a woody vine. Most of them have spines and are very thorny. Bougainvillea has a nice fragrance which is similar to that of the Honeysuckle plant. In cool or dry conditions, it can be semi-deciduous. The shoots, that have been overgrown, may attach themselves to the surroundings. The leaves of bougainvillea are ovate, alternately arranged and simple. The flowers are trumpet shaped, small, white and occur in group of threes. Large colourful bracts surround the flowers to make it even more beautiful. The fruits that they bear are small, dry and have one seed. The plant has bright violet leaves that are deep green and very long. Its blooming starts in September and continue till May. They grow very quickly. It is so popular because of this quality only. Its coloured flowers and quick growth makes it appropriate for indoors as well as outdoors. Bougainvillea is a terrific plant that is planted for terrace and flowery decorations.Its trimming might result in bonsai.

The two most common species of bougainvillea are: Bougainvillea spetabilis and Bougainvillea glabra. These two species have been cross-bred to give rise to various hybrid varieties of the plant. In South America, one can find upto 14 different species of bougainvillea. In countries like Singapore and Malaysia, the most common varieties, apart from Bougainvillea glabra and Bougainvillea spectabilis are Bougainvillea mrs butt and Bougainvillea peruviana. Also, many hybrid varieties have become very popular lately. These include Bougainvillea spectoglabra and Bougainvillea x buttiana hybrid. Bougainvillea is extensively used all over the world because it is one of those few plants that flowers round the year in hot and wet weathers. Flowering can be done by proper watering and fertilizing. No plant grows well if it is either over fed or under fed.

Bougainvillea can be put to use in numerous ways. They can be used in trellis or in hanging baskets. They can also be used as Bonsai. They can either be used as small flowering trees or as hedges. Bougainvillea can also serve the purpose of lawn specimens. They are woody ornamental landscape plants that add beauty to the surroundings.

Being so useful and so easily available, growing bougainvillea can really be a tedious task. Its blooming requires ample sunlight and water. One needs to give it proper care, time and love. Its blooming can surely make anyone's backyard look attractive and special. So take some time out so that you have the backyard you desire.