Description:
Scientific Name: Bougainvillea spp.
Family: Nyctaginaceae
Origin: Native to South America, but extensively cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, including Thailand.
Plant Characteristics:
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Growth Habit:
- Type: Evergreen shrub or vine, often trained as a decorative plant.
- Height: Can grow up to 1-12 meters tall, depending on support and pruning.
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Stems:
- Structure: Woody and thorny, with a sprawling or climbing habit.
- Color: Light brown to gray.
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Leaves:
- Shape: Ovate to heart-shaped.
- Size: Approximately 4-13 cm in length.
- Color: Dark green with a glossy texture.
Flowers:
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Bracts:
- Color: Vibrant orange, sometimes with a hint of red or gold.
- Shape: Papery and thin, resembling petals but actually modified leaves.
- Size: About 5-6 cm long.
- Arrangement: Clustered in groups of three around small, inconspicuous true flowers.
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True Flowers:
- Size: Small and tubular, located at the center of the bracts.
- Color: Typically white or yellow.
Grafted Plant Characteristics:
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Rootstock:
- Selected for its vigorous growth and disease resistance, enhancing the overall health and longevity of the grafted plant.
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Scion:
- The Orange Tanglong variety is grafted onto the rootstock to ensure desirable traits such as vibrant color, abundant blooming, and improved growth.
Growth Conditions:
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Climate:
- Thrives in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates.
- Requires full sun for optimal blooming.
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Soil:
- Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils.
- Tolerant of a range of soil types but performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH.
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Watering:
- Drought-tolerant once established.
- Requires moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
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Pruning:
- Regular pruning helps maintain shape and encourages more prolific blooming.
Uses:
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Ornamental:
- Popular as a decorative plant in gardens, patios, and balconies.
- Often used in hanging baskets, pots, or as a climbing vine on trellises and walls.
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Landscaping:
- Ideal for creating vibrant hedges, borders, or ground cover.
- Frequently used in public gardens and parks for its showy display.
Care Tips:
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Pest Control: Generally pest-resistant but watch for aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites.
- Winter Care: In cooler climates, protect from frost by bringing potted plants indoors or covering outdoor plants.
The Orange Tanglong Bougainvillea, with its vivid orange bracts and robust growth habit, is a stunning addition to any garden, providing a burst of color and tropical flair. The grafting process enhances its resilience and blooming potential, making it an excellent choice for gardeners and landscapers alike.