A common plant in our garden city, the bougainvillea is a native of Central and South America which thrives in our tropical climate. The history of bougainvillea dates back to 1760s when it was first discovered in Rio de Janeiro by the French botanist Philibert Commerson. He named the plant after his close friend Captain Louis A. De Bougainville.

The bougainvillea is a tropical member of the Nyctaginaceae family. With more about 30 genera and 300 over species, the members of this family are mostly herbs, shrubs and trees. The bougainvillea can be a shrub shaped to provide barrier in the form of hedges or topiaries, or a climber which adds interest to lamp posts, trees and trellises. Some planted along the overhead bridges and window boxes cascade downwards like a bridal bouquet providing beauty to the otherwise plain structure.

• The true flowers are white in colour and they are surrounded by colourful bracts.
• The bougainvillea is an undemanding plant which thrives in low humidity and full sunshine.
• Allow the soil to dry in between watering and it does not require spray-misting. Burn soil which is commonly available in local nurseries is a recommended potting medium.
• A flowering fertilizer or organic fertilizers such as chicken waste and goats waste are excellent to induce blooming.
• Do not be afraid to prune back this beauty after each flowering session. Pruning encourages new growth and keeps the plant in shape and healthy.
• The bougainvillea is generally pest and disease tolerant. Propagation by means of woody stem cuttings.

The Bougainvillea is an easy, undemanding and pest free plant which is in full bloom throughout the year in sunny Singapore. For a complete guide on growing beautiful bougainvilleas refer to Eric Simon’s – Brighten up your lives with Bougainvillea. Mr Simon is a horticulturist from Malaysia who has more than 40 years of experience in this field. He is the President of Selangor and Federal Territory Gardening Society and is also a committee member of the Orchid Society of Malaysia. He has won several landscape awards and is a serious gardener with special interest in orchids . His orchids have also won many prizes. Mr Simon, who is also a judge for many orchid and horticulture shows in Malaysia and is expected to come up with a book on orchid growing soon.

For details on the purchase of the book, contact Grace at 91879788 or email: gracejamuna@yahoo.com.sg.