Paperflower Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Lady Mary Baring'
ABOUT
Bougainvillea 'Lady Mary Baring' is a flowering plant notable for its vibrant and colorful appearance. This variety showcases a stunning display of papery bracts, which are often mistaken for flowers. These bracts come in a striking shade of coral-pink, surrounding the smaller, true flowers that are white and trumpet-shaped, nestled within the center of each bract cluster. The plant itself is a vigorous, sprawling growth with long, arching branches. The foliage consists of glossy green leaves that provide a lush background for the spectacular bracts. The leaves are generally oval-shaped with pointed tips and may appear to have a slightly leathery texture. As with other types of Bougainvillea, 'Lady Mary Baring' can be encouraged through pruning to form a dense and bushy shape, or it may be trained to climb over trellises, fences, and other structures, showcasing its cascade of color. The branches are thorny, providing a natural defense against certain animals, and adding to the plant’s hardy character. Seasonally, the 'Lady Mary Baring' radiant bracts bloom in cycles, typically during the warmer months, and can offer a repeated show of color when conditions are favorable. This repeating blooming, coupled with its eye-catching color, makes the 'Lady Mary Baring' a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers seeking to add a tropical or Mediterranean touch to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nyctaginaceae
Synonyms
Paper Flower, Lesser Bougainvillea, Bougainvillea
Common names
Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Lady Mary Baring'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bougainvillea is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested, some people may experience minor irritation of the mouth, stomach, or throat due to the plant's sap, which contains certain compounds that may cause discomfort. Skin contact with the sap may also result in skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It's important to note that the thorns of the plant can cause puncture wounds and physical injuries. Ingesting large quantities could potentially lead to digestive upset, but such cases are uncommon as the plant is not considered palatable. Always practice caution and keep the plant out of reach of small children who might be tempted to ingest the colorful bracts or leaves.
To pets
Bougainvillea can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested, potentially leading to symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Like humans, skin irritation or an allergic reaction is possible if pets come into contact with the sap. Additionally, the sharp thorns can cause physical injury if a pet attempts to chew on the plant. Although bougainvillea is not listed as highly toxic to pets, it's still recommended to keep an eye on pets around the plant to avoid any negative consequences. If you suspect your pet has ingested parts of the plant and is showing adverse symptoms, it's best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-5 feet (0.91-1.52 meters)
Spread
3-5 feet (0.91-1.52 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Lady Mary Baring' has vibrant flowers and bright green foliage making it a popular choice for adding color to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering and making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Heat Resistance: It thrives in hot conditions, making it an excellent plant for warm climates or as a summertime ornamental.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on fences or trellises, it can provide a thick, lush barrier for privacy.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the initial growing phase, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Soil Adaptability: It is adaptable to various soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.
- Pest Resistance: The plant is generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Versatility: It can be grown as a shrub, vine, or ground cover, depending on pruning and training, offering flexibility in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bougainvillea can be used in bonsai art due to its ability to be shaped and its colorful bracts that add aesthetic appeal to the miniature landscapes.
- The woody vines of Bougainvillea can be repurposed into decorative or functional items like picture frames or small pieces of furniture when treated properly.
- In certain cultures, the leaves are used to create natural dyes for fabrics, providing a range of colors from the bracts and leaves.
- Bougainvillea branches can serve as a natural fencing material or barrier when grown densely, deterring unwanted foot traffic due to their thorns.
- The flowers can be used in the creation of float decorations during parades and festivals, to add vibrant color displays.
- Dried bougainvillea bracts are often used in potpourri mixes for their color and shape, providing a tropical aesthetic to the mix.
- Photographers and filmmakers sometimes use bougainvillea as a natural backdrop for photoshoots and movie scenes, respectively, for its lush and vivid appearance.
- Floral artists utilize Bougainvillea in creating unique, long-lasting flower arrangements or wall installations due to their colorful and durable bracts.
- Artists may use the texture and color of the bracts in mixed media art projects, incorporating the natural element into their works.
- In landscape design, Bougainvillea can be trained to grow over and cover unsightly structures like sheds or utility boxes, providing a natural camouflage.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bougainvillea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bougainvillea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: Bougainvillea is often associated with passion due to its vibrant and intense colors, symbolizing a fervent and spirited love or desire.
- Beauty: The plant is revered for its beautiful cascades of colorful bracts, representing beauty and splendor in the beholder's eye.
- Vibrancy: With its vivid hues, bougainvillea embodies vibrancy and the ability to attract attention, similar to a lively and captivating personality.
- Survival: It is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh conditions, symbolizing determination and the will to survive against the odds.
- Welcome: In some cultures, bougainvillea is planted around homes as a symbol of welcome, offering a warm and inviting presence to guests.
WaterBougainvilleas, including the variety known as 'Lady Mary Baring', require deep watering once a week during their growing season if the weather is dry. It's important to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. During the summer, you might need to water every 4-7 days, providing about 1-2 gallons per watering session, depending on the size and age of the plant and the climate. Over the winter months, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks as bougainvilleas are somewhat drought-tolerant and prefer drier conditions during their dormant period.
LightBougainvilleas, such as the 'Lady Mary Baring', thrive in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which encourages the best flowering. They prefer a bright, sunny spot away from the shade of trees or buildings. An ideal location would be against a south or west-facing wall, which can offer additional heat and light reflection, enhancing growth and blooming.
TemperatureThe 'Lady Mary Baring' bougainvillea does best in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 95°F, which is optimal for growth and flowering. While it can survive in temperatures as low as 40°F, it's recommended not to expose it to temperatures under 30°F as this can cause damage or kill the plant. This plant prefers a warm climate and should be protected from frost and sudden drops in temperature.
PruningPrune 'Lady Mary Baring' bougainvillea after it finishes blooming to shape the plant, encourage new growth, and maintain a manageable size. Pruning should be done lightly after each bloom cycle, as heavy pruning can reduce flowering. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins. Remove any dead wood or extraneous growth to promote a more robust and aesthetic plant structure.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBougainvillea prefer well-draining soil with a pH of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0 to 7.5). A mix containing 1 part peat, 1 part pine bark, and 1 part coarse sand or perlite is ideal for Bougainvillea, often known as Paper Flower, ensuring proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingPaper Flower generally requires repotting every two to three years or when the plant has become pot-bound. Repotting should be done in spring or early summer to give the plant time to establish before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingBougainvillea, or Paper Flower, thrives in moderate to high humidity levels. However, they are quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity levels without significant problems.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright sunlight, allow soil to dry between watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect below 30°F.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleBougainvillea × buttiana 'Lady Mary Baring', commonly known as Bougainvillea, begins its life as a seed, germinating in warm soil with abundant sunlight and good drainage, producing a tiny seedling. The seedling grows rapidly, developing woody stems and characteristic thorny branches as it matures into a young plant. As an established plant, it enters a vigorous vegetative growth phase, where it expands its canopy of green leaves and begins the development of colorful bracts and small, white flowers. During its flowering phase, which can be periodic or almost year-round in warmer climates, the Bougainvillea attracts pollinators, though it is often propagated through cuttings due to its inconsistent seed set. After pollination, seed pods may develop, completing the reproductive cycle, although many garden specimens rarely produce viable seeds. Over many years, Bougainvilleas can become quite large and woody, and with proper care, they can live for several decades, going through repeated cycles of growth and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Lady Mary Baring', commonly known as bougainvillea, is through stem cuttings. To do this, a gardener should take a 4-6 inch (about 10-15 cm) long cutting from the current year's growth, ensuring that the cutting includes a few sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed, and the cut end can be treated with rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to maintain a high humidity around the cutting, often achieved by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. Rooting typically occurs within 4-6 weeks, after which the plastic can be removed and the new bougainvillea plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before potting on or planting out.
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