Bougainvillea – From Hedge to Bonsai

Botanical Name: Bougainvillea glabra

Common Name: Bougainvillea

Story of the Tree

This vibrant Bougainvillea began its journey in 1990, when Michael purchased six of them from SummerWinds Nursery with a long-term bonsai vision in mind. He planted them along a south-facing wall, growing them as a hedge for five years.

Over time, that vision came to life. Michael carefully selected his two favorite trees to train into bonsai and generously shared the others with fellow club members. This particular variety stands out for its compact branching and the striking way it blooms before leafing out, unlike typical yard Bougainvilleas.

Since 2010, this tree has been in bonsai training—a true transformation from garden hedge to a refined work of living art.

Exhibited by: Michael