Bougainvillea Companion Plants: How to Pair Them Up to Create Beautiful Gardens

Oleh Anonymous March 15, 2022 Post a Comment

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The Basics of Bougainvillea Companion Planting

When it comes to creating a beautiful garden, one of the most important things to consider is companion planting. This involves pairing up different types of plants in order to create a harmonious and aesthetically-pleasing garden. One plant that is particularly popular for its stunning blooms is bougainvillea. But what are the best companion plants to pair with bougainvillea? Here's everything you need to know.

What is Bougainvillea?

Before we dive into the world of bougainvillea companion plants, let's first take a closer look at this beautiful flowering plant. Bougainvillea is a tropical shrub that is native to South America. It is characterized by its brightly-colored bracts, which surround the small white flowers. These bracts come in a range of colors, including pink, red, orange, and purple.

Why Companion Planting is Important

Companion planting has been used for centuries as a way to improve the health and growth of plants. By pairing up certain plants, you can create a more balanced ecosystem in your garden, which results in healthier plants overall. Companion planting can also help to deter pests and attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies.

The Best Bougainvillea Companion Plants

So, what are the best plants to pair with bougainvillea? Here are some great options:

1. Lantana

Lantana is a great choice for a bougainvillea companion plant. This colorful flowering plant is known for its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators. It also thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it a great choice for gardens in warmer climates.

2. Hibiscus

Another beautiful flowering plant that pairs well with bougainvillea is hibiscus. Like bougainvillea, hibiscus produces large, showy blooms, which come in a range of colors. Hibiscus also attracts pollinators, making it a great addition to any garden.

3. Plumbago

Plumbago is a versatile plant that can be used as a groundcover or a climbing vine. It produces clusters of blue or white flowers, which pair beautifully with the bright bracts of bougainvillea. Plumbago is also drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for gardens in arid climates.

4. Salvia

Salvia is a hardy plant that produces spikes of colorful flowers. It is known for its ability to attract bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Salvia also thrives in full sun, making it a good companion for bougainvillea.

5. Mexican Bush Sage

Mexican bush sage is a drought-tolerant plant that produces spikes of purple flowers. It is another great option for gardens in arid climates, as it requires very little water once established. Mexican bush sage also attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Tips for Pairing Bougainvillea with Companion Plants

When it comes to pairing bougainvillea with companion plants, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and harmonious garden:

1. Consider Color

One of the most important things to consider when pairing bougainvillea with other plants is color. Since bougainvillea comes in a range of colors, it's important to choose companion plants that will complement (rather than clash with) its blooms. For example, if you have a pink bougainvillea, you might pair it with blue or purple flowering plants.

2. Think About Sunlight and Water Needs

Another important factor to consider is sunlight and water needs. Bougainvillea thrives in full sun and requires little water once established. When choosing companion plants, it's important to consider their sunlight and water requirements to ensure that they will thrive alongside your bougainvillea.

3. Choose Plants with Different Blooming Seasons

To create a garden that blooms throughout the year, it's a good idea to choose companion plants with different blooming seasons. This will ensure that there is always something in bloom, no matter what time of year it is.

4. Mix Shrubs and Groundcovers

To create a multi-dimensional garden, it's a good idea to mix shrubs and groundcovers. This will add depth and texture to your garden, making it more visually interesting.

FAQs

1. Can I plant bougainvillea with roses?

Yes, bougainvillea can be planted with roses. However, it's important to choose roses that have similar sunlight and water requirements to your bougainvillea.

2. What are some good groundcover options to pair with bougainvillea?

Some good groundcover options to pair with bougainvillea include creeping thyme, sedum, and moss rose.

3. Can I pair bougainvillea with succulents?

Yes, bougainvillea can be paired with succulents. However, it's important to choose succulents that have similar sunlight and water requirements to your bougainvillea.

4. What are some good climbing vines to pair with bougainvillea?

Some good climbing vines to pair with bougainvillea include morning glory, clematis, and trumpet vine.

5. Can I plant bougainvillea in a container with other plants?

Yes, bougainvillea can be planted in a container with other plants. However, it's important to choose plants that have similar sunlight and water requirements to your bougainvillea, and to make sure that the container is large enough to accommodate all of the plants.