Bougainvillea in the world of botany is described as a "genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees with flower-like spring leaves near its flowers". But in Italy they simply describe the feeling, the romance of the country--by their loveliness, their sheer abundance and cascading lusciousness. They are native to Brazil and Peru, which is why they do so well in the near tropical climate of Italy. Their spiky, thorny vines can grow up to 40 feet tall, rambling up the front of many historic and romatic structures all throughout Italy. They are evergreen where rainfall occurs all year, or drop their leaves in areas with a dry season. The source of the stunning colors is not actually from the flowers of the plant. Each cluster of three tiny white flowers is surrounded by three or six colored leafy bracts--the source of the colors. They can be pink, magenta, purple, red, orange, white, or yellow. Enjoy this selection of amazing climbers... --Jerry Finzi
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your gardening friends... ciao!
6 Comments
Maureen Paton
3/10/2020 05:23:25 pm
The photos are absolutely lovely of the bourgainvillea.
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Riccardo
5/15/2022 07:08:05 pm
I realize this is a rather old post about bougainvillea in Italy, but I have a question. You say the plant drops its leaves in areas with a dry season. Our bougainvillea is in a flower box about 40 cm x 15 cm. It dropped its leaves over the winter and is slow to re-foliate. Lucca, Tuscany, is certainly not dry in winter. Do you have any advice? Should we expect this every year?
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Jerry Finzi
5/19/2022 02:29:10 pm
Ciao Ricardo,
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Me
7/9/2024 04:32:19 pm
Hi - is it still in bloom in late Sept/early Oct in Amalfi? My daughter is getting married in Ravello at that time and I'm wondering - what's in bloom then?
Jerry F.
7/25/2024 11:11:43 am
Me,
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Mena
7/31/2024 11:11:39 am
Thanks so much for your reply Jerry! I didn't know that hydrangeas bloom in Amalfi? Hopefully we can use some of those! And delphiniums as well!
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