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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four O¹Clock) |
| Origin: Brazil (South America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Red |
| Bloomtime: Summer/Fall |
| Height: 4-5 feet |
| Width: Spreading |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Bougainvillea 'La Jolla' - An evergreen shrub that can reach to 4-5 feet tall and as wide with dark green foliage and large red bracts surrounding the small white flowers - flowers are often on this plant from spring late into the fall and sometimes through a mild winter. Plant in full sun where it requires very little irrigation along the coast once established. Hardy to about 20-25 degrees F. It is noted as having brighter red bracts than the other red shrub cultivars 'Temple Fire' (AKA 'Helen Johnson') or 'Crimson Jewel'. We have grown this plant in our nursery since 1982. The name for the genus honors the French admiral and explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville (1729-1811). Bougainville first visited South American in 1764 on a voyage to settle the Falkland Islands and in 1766 he left on a journey to become the first Frenchman to circumnavigate the globe. On this trip he was accompanied by the botanist Philibert Commerçon, who reportedly named the plant they found 'Bougainvillea' but it was not officially described until 1789 by Antoine Laurent de Jussieu. Jussieu actually misspelled the name as Buginvillea, and this name was not corrected until the 20th century.. Further intrigue regarding this plant's discovery is that it may have actually been discovered by Philibert Commerçon's assistant (and possibly his lover) Jeanne Baré, who he had snuck onboard, disguising her as a man.
The information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have observed it in. We also will incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that might aid others in growing Bougainvillea 'La Jolla'.
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