Thai Variety Bougainvillea

Description:

Scientific Name: Bougainvillea spp.

Family: Nyctaginaceae

Origin: Native to South America, but extensively cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, including Thailand.

Plant Characteristics:

1. 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.

2. Stems:

   • Structure: Woody and thorny, with a sprawling or climbing habit.
   • Color: Light brown to gray.

3. Leaves:

   • Shape: Ovate to heart-shaped.
   • Size: Approximately 4-13 cm in length.
   • Color: Dark green with a glossy texture.

Flowers:

1. 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.

2. True Flowers:

   • Size: Small and tubular, located at the center of the bracts.
   • Color: Typically white or yellow.

Grafted Plant Characteristics:

1. Rootstock:

   • Selected for its vigorous growth and disease resistance, enhancing the overall health and longevity of the grafted plant.

2. 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:

1. Climate:

   • Thrives in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates.
   • Requires full sun for optimal blooming.

2. Soil:

   • Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils.
   • Tolerant of a range of soil types but performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH.

3. Watering:

   • Drought-tolerant once established.
   • Requires moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.

4. Pruning:

   • Regular pruning helps maintain shape and encourages more prolific blooming.

Uses:

1. 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.

2. Landscaping:

   • Ideal for creating vibrant hedges, borders, or ground cover.
   • Frequently used in public gardens and parks for its showy display.

Care Tips:

1. Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
2. Pest Control: Generally pest-resistant but watch for aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites.
3. 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.