The Bougainvillea - This flowering vine makes an  excellent bonsai

Discovered in Brazil in the late 18th century and named after admiral Louis de Bougainvillea this spectacular tropical vine makes a wonderful bonsai.  Although a natural climbing vine, this plant can be trained to produce a bonsai that can be virtually unmatched for its character and vibrant colors.  The bougainvillea has very woody trunks and knarly crooked branches with spikes that are extremely conducive to bonsai.  Tropical members of the Nyctaginaceae (Four-O'clock) family, their brilliant color does not come from the small  tubular flowers but from three large paper-like 'bracts' surrounding each flower.

Bougainvillea propagate readily from cuttings and will develop a good root structure within 4-6 weeks.  The root system of this plant is extremely delicate which makes repotting a challenge but it is very forgiving to being root bound.  In fact, bougainvillea perform at their best if they are slightly stressed in this manner.  They will bloom longer and more consistently if kept in a fairly dry soil while being slightly root bound.  For these reasons, they must be planted in a very loose soil that drains exceptionally well.  Some growers even use a soil-free orchid mix.  

They will not do well at all if they are over-watered.  As a tropical, a very bright full sun is necessary to keep them healthy.  They are vociferous feeders and respond best with almost constant fertilizing.  Simple soluble solutions of 20-20-20 work well, with an occasional 21-5-20 (hibiscus food) will keep them happy.  One of the nice things about this plant is that it is virtually insect free.    

Training bougainvillea's is relatively easy even though they are a vine.  Trimming and wiring techniques that are used for other bonsai will work the same for this plant.  The natural crooked nature of the woody trunk and limbs is quite stunning compared to the silken soft vibrant flowers.  Of note though, if they are left unchecked while container bound, bougainvillea will become extremely bushy.

There are many varieties of bougainvillea each with its own special characteristic.  Not only do they come in varieties of colors, solids and variegated, from gold to deep purple, but some species have variegated leaf colors as well.  This makes for a wonderful array of flowering bonsai within one specie that any hobbyist would be proud to display.