Bougainvillea sanderiana is one of the most striking bougainvilleas, an ornamental climber grown for its brilliant, long lasting display.

Characteristics
An evergreen climber in mild climates, with dark green leaves and vivid bracts ranging from pink to intense purple, carried in profusion from spring to autumn. It climbs strongly and reaches a considerable height, easily covering walls, fences, pergolas and trellises; the stems are thorny.

Growing and care
It needs the hottest, sunniest position and well drained soil, preferably light; once established it is very drought tolerant and flowers best when kept fairly dry and not over fed. It is frost tender, so in colder areas grow it in a large pot and shelter it in winter, keeping it above about 5 °C. Prune in late winter, shortening the previous year's growth, and tie in the main stems.

Uses
Walls, pergolas, arches and fences in Mediterranean and seaside gardens, and large containers on terraces and balconies.