Bougainvillea Bougainvillea 'Purple Robe'
ABOUT
Bougainvillea 'Purple Robe' is a vibrant and showy plant known for its cascading display of colorful flower-like bracts that are often mistaken for petals. The bracts of 'Purple Robe' are a deep, rich purple color, which contrast beautifully against the plant's green foliage. These bracts surround the true flowers, which are actually tiny and white, often going unnoticed against the flamboyance of the purple bracts. The foliage of 'Purple Robe' is made up of oval leaves that are medium green, with a slightly leathery texture, providing a lush background for the brilliant purple display. The branches of 'Purple Robe' are long and may appear somewhat vine-like, lending themselves to being trained on trellises or supports. The growth habit of this Bougainvillea creates a dense, bushy appearance, as the branches reach out and intertwine with one another, weaving a tapestry of color and greenery. This makes the 'Purple Robe' suitable for creating visual barriers or simply for enjoying as a stunning focal point in a garden or landscape. The overall visual effect of the 'Purple Robe' is one of tropical exuberance, bringing a burst of color and life wherever it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nyctaginaceae
Synonyms
Bougainvillea, Paper Flower
Common names
Bougainvillea 'Purple Robe'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bougainvillea is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals due to its sap. If ingested, the plant may cause mild stomach upset. As with any non-edible plant, it is generally advisable to avoid consuming any part of the bougainvillea.
To pets
For pets, bougainvillea is also considered to have low toxicity. However, ingestion of the plant can potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in animals like dogs and cats. It is best to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting the plant to avoid these unpleasant symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
15-40 feet [4.6-12.2 meters]
Spread
5-15 feet [1.5-4.6 meters]
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Color Display: The Bougainvillea ‘Purple Robe’ offers a stunning display of purple flowers that add dramatic color to any landscape.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal water, making it suitable for arid climates and drought-prone areas.
- Heat Resistance: This plant can withstand high temperatures, ideal for hot climates where other plants might struggle.
- Low Maintenance: It has a hardy nature and does not require frequent care or pruning, making it a great choice for low maintenance gardens.
- Fast Growth: It has a rapid growth rate, which can quickly cover walls, trellises, and fences, providing privacy and beauty.
- Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soils, as long as they are well-draining.
- Pest Resistance: The plant is relatively resistant to pests, meaning less need for chemical treatments.
- Versatility: It can be used in different garden styles, such as Mediterranean, tropical, or cottage gardens.
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 trained to grow as a bonsai, making it a stunning and unique addition to miniature gardens or as a home decor element.
- When dried and pressed, the bracts of the bougainvillea add vibrant color to handmade paper creations or can be used in crafting personalized bookmarks.
- The thin, flexible stems of young plants can be woven into decorative baskets or other artistic objects, showcasing the plant's versatility beyond the garden.
- Bougainvillea can be used in educational settings to demonstrate plant pruning techniques, as they are hardy and respond well to different training methods.
- The woody vines of older bougainvillea plants make interesting natural supports for climbing plants when used in inter-planting designs within the garden.
- Photographers and filmmakers often employ bougainvillea as a lush, colorful backdrop for photo shoots and film sets, enhancing the visual appeal of their work.
- Harvested bougainvillea bracts can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, yielding a range of hues from light pinks to deep purples depending on the mordant used.
- In the culinary arts, carefully selected bougainvillea flowers can decorate plates and dishes, provided they are free from pesticides and are properly cleaned.
- Creative florists may use bougainvillea in bridal bouquets or floral arrangements as they provide long-lasting color and an exotic touch.
- Given their dense growth, bougainvillea can be used as a living fence or privacy screen in the garden, creating a vibrant barrier that is both functional and beautiful.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiBougainvillea can be used to attract positive chi into your home. Its vibrant flowers bring uplifting energy and promote happiness. Place the Bougainvillea in the South area of your garden or home to enhance fame and recognition or the East for family harmony and health.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bougainvillea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: Bougainvillea is often associated with passion and intense emotions, primarily due to its vibrant and rich colors which are reminiscent of a passionate zest for life.
- Beauty: The beautiful papery flowers of the Bougainvillea symbolize beauty and ornamental splendor, signifying appreciation for beauty in all forms.
- Protection: With its thorny and vigorous growth, the Bougainvillea is also a symbol of protection, as it creates a natural barrier in its native environment.
- Warmth: Commonly found in warm and tropical climates, the Bougainvillea represents the comfort and ease of sunny, pleasant surroundings.
- Welcome: In certain cultures, Bougainvillea is planted around homes as a sign of welcome, showing that guests are encouraged to visit and enjoy the homeowner’s hospitality.
- Resilience: Able to thrive in harsh conditions, the Bougainvillea stands for resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles and continue growing.
WaterPurple Bougainvilleas should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between watering sessions. Generally, watering once a week is adequate. However, during hot, dry periods or when the plant is in a container, you might need to water more frequently. Provide about one gallon of water to the base of the plant, ensuring you're not just wetting the surface soil but reaching the deeper roots. Always avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spot diseases and ensure the base receives adequate moisture.
LightBougainvilleas thrive in full sun, so the 'Purple Robe' prefers a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. An ideal spot for this plant would be a south-facing position, where it gets uninterrupted sunlight. This sunny exposure will promote the most abundant blooms and the best growth for the 'Purple Robe' Bougainvillea.
TemperaturePurple Bougainvilleas perform best in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 95°F. They can survive temperatures as low as 30°F, but frost can severely damage the plant. The ideal range for robust growth is between 60°F and 70°F at night and 70°F to 95°F during the day. If temperatures consistently fall below 60°F, consider providing protection or moving the plant indoors if potted.
PruningPurple Bougainvilleas require pruning to shape the plant, promote more blooms, and maintain a manageable size. Prune after each bloom cycle, typically in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Remove dead wood and any excess growth to encourage the plant to produce new flowering shoots. The best time for heavy pruning is after the risk of frost has passed.
CleaningNot needed
SoilBougainvillea thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A good recipe is one part loam, one part peat, and one part coarse sand or perlite.
RepottingBougainvillea should be repotted every 2-3 years during the spring, especially when it has become root-bound or the soil is depleted.
Humidity & MistingBougainvillea requires low to moderate humidity levels and is quite tolerant of dry conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bougainvillea in bright sunlight, allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, moderate watering after established.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Bougainvillea 'Purple Robe' begins with seed germination, which requires warm temperatures and proper light conditions. Following germination, the plant enters a juvenile vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf and stem growth, establishing a strong structure. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, where the 'Purple Robe' is known for its vibrant bracts that surround the true flowers; this stage can last for many weeks, especially in warm climates. After pollination, which is often aided by hummingbirds or other pollinators, the plant may produce small, inconspicuous fruits with seeds that can be dispersed to start new plants. Throughout its life, Bougainvillea 'Purple Robe' goes through cycles of growth and dormancy, with active growth in the warmer seasons and a rest period during cooler weather when growth may slow or cease. Lastly, after many years, the plant reaches the end of its life span, which can be extended through proper care and pruning to promote rejuvenation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Bougainvillea 'Purple Robe', commonly known as Bougainvillea, is most effectively propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in late summer to early autumn. To propagate, select a healthy stem that has recently matured and hardened off. Cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) length just below a node, where leaves attach to the stem, making sure the cutting has several nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to avoid moisture loss and potential rotting when planted. The cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, bright environment out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which may take several weeks. During this time, a plastic cover can help maintain high humidity to encourage rooting.
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