california native flora

Bougainvillea X Buttiana ‘Orange King’

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One of three Bougies in the patio garden, Bougainvillea X Buttiana ‘Orange King’ occupies a planter in front of our big ugly Air Conditioning unit. Bougainvilleas are native to Brazil but this variety is a hybrid, presumably engineered to produce the stunning orange/peach colored bracts. This is an evergreen vine that grows well in full to part sun and could reach a height of 20′. That’s not going to be suitable for our small area, fortunately it responds well to pruning. Like other bougies, this plant has problems with aphids and mineral deficiencies both of which can be managed with a bit of care and attention. Once established, we should only need to water occasionally. In addition to keeping our a/c hidden this plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.