This climber is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.

• Position: bright, indirect light
• Soil: loam-based potting compost
• Rate of growth: average
• Hardiness: tender (indoors only)
  
  
  
  
• Home care: Water sparingly during winter and repot or top-dress in spring. Bougainvilleas can live for over 50 years if given the correct care. They much prefer a heated conservatory and tend to go dormant at around 10°C, when they lose their leaves and flowers. Temperatures below this can be fatal. Once dormant, keep on the dry side until they come back into growth. When they are in growth, water moderately and feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Repot or top-dress the compost in spring and during the growing season, give it a light trim to keep it bushy.