Bougainvillea Is the Ultimate Symbol of Fierce Love and Beautiful Resistance

Bougainvillea flowers have long been prized for their stunning inflorescences, which are colorful, paper-like bracts surrounding tiny flowers. This evergreen vine’s “blooms” — actually brightly colored bracts — grow in stunning shades of red, pink, and more. When given as a gift, it’s easy to see why the language of flowers uses bougainvillea as a symbol of passionate attraction.

Etymological Meaning

Bougainvillea is named after Admiral Louis Antoine de Bougainville, a late 18th-century explorer.

Bougainvillea Flower Colors

I love that Bougainvillea produces bracts in various colors, from hot pink, red, and orange to purple, white, and yellow. In the language of flowers, bougainvillea stands for passion. To the Victorians, a gift of bougainvillea was meant to ignite passion.

Protection Against Evil

In many Latin American cultures, bougainvillea planted around homes serves as a spiritual fence. Those thorny branches aren’t just for show—they’re believed to keep negative energy and evil spirits at bay. Got nosy neighbors or bad vibes? Plant some bougainvillea! It’s like a pretty security system with bonus blooms.

The Five-Year Hug

In some Asian traditions, bougainvillea represents a five-year lasting bond. Gifting this plant to newlyweds or new homeowners is essentially saying, “May your happiness last at least five years!” It’s the floral equivalent of a long-term commitment—without the paperwork!

Travel Dreams

Sailors first brought bougainvillea to Europe after spotting it in Brazil. The plant quickly became associated with discovery and adventure.

Keep a bougainvillea if you’re craving new horizons—it might just inspire your next big trip! Some travelers even press the bracts in journals as good luck charms before setting off.

The Hardy Survivor

Bougainvillea symbolizes resilience because it thrives in harsh conditions. In Australia, it’s nicknamed “the survivor plant” after repeatedly bouncing back from bushfires. Next time you feel knocked down, channel your inner bougainvillea and bloom anyway!

Welcome Home

In Hawaii and other Pacific islands, bougainvillea vines are woven into welcome leis. The message? “Your arrival brings joy!” Hotels often plant them near entrances for this very reason. Nothing says “Aloha” quite like a cascade of pink, purple, or orange bougainvillea greeting you at the door.

Longevity and Health

In traditional Chinese medicine, bougainvillea tea is thought to promote longevity. The plant symbolizes good health and vitality in many Asian cultures. Some communities even hold bougainvillea festivals during which elders are honored—connecting the plant’s stubborn lifespan to human longevity.

The Peace-Making Plant

In parts of India, bougainvillea represents peaceful resolution. When neighbors quarrel, gifting bougainvillea suggests a desire to make amends. The reasoning? Something so beautiful couldn’t possibly grow from lingering anger. Next time you need to apologize, skip the text message and bring bougainvillea instead!

The Wealth Attractor

In Feng Shui practice, bougainvillea—especially the purple variety—is thought to attract financial abundance. Place it in the southeast corner of your garden to supposedly boost your wealth energy. Does it work? Well, you’ll certainly save money on water bills since this plant barely needs any!

Suitable Gifting Occasions

The brilliant colors of bougainvillea light up any bouquet, arrangement, or floral gift. In the language of flowers, bougainvillea symbolizes passion, so they’re a great addition to a bouquet for a loved one or that special date night.

Wrap-up

Bougainvillea lights up any landscape or floral gift with its stunning, colorful bracts. These paper-thin petals come in a dazzling array of colors, from red and pink to orange, white, yellow, and purple. Perfect for hot, dry locations, bougainvillea is a woody, thorny climber that quickly fills the landscape with color and texture. In the language of flowers, these South American natives stand for passion.