Bougainvillea glabra

Bougainvillea glabra is an evergreen climbing plant with thorny stems, native to South America. In Britain it's grown as a houseplant, typically in sunny, humid conservatories and greenhouses, where conditions mimic those of its native subtropical habitat. It bears clusters of tiny white flowers surrounded by colourful bracts in a range of colours from pink and purple to red.

For best results grow Bougainvillea glabra in a large container, which you can move outside in summer. When pruning, cut back side shoots to three to four buds. Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser when it comes into growth in spring, followed by a potash-rich fertiliser when the flower buds appear. Protect from frost and water sparingly in winter