I've had a bougainevillea for over ten years now. It is a deep mauve variety
one that seems to be most commonly available at garden centres etc. I
understand that this is the most hardy of the bougainevilleas and will
survive the winter if it is kept above 0deg.C.
We moved from Cheshire to Devon in 2000 and for the last 4 winters the plant
which is in a 2ft ceramic pot and too big to move has been out of doors. Th
position is south facing in a door entrance. On frosty nights-rare in Devon
I have covered the pot with bubble wrap.
The bougainvillea is deciduous in the UK and is now putting out new growth,
having survived east winds down to about 2 deg,C that burned off growth on a
nearby common jasmine.
A friend up the road has salmon and other coloured bougainevilleas and he
put me up to the idea that the deep mauve variety is hardier.
Having said all that London can be colder than either Cheshire or Devon in
the winter. I have toyed with the idea of shrouding a large plant with
bubble wrap during the winter and protecting it on cold nights by mounting
on a sand tray laced with low power soil heating cable. A dormant plant
should not pose any special problems.
wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I recently treated myself to a beautiful Bougainvillea from Columbia Road
Flower Market (London). I know the plant likes to be kept warm and will
need over-wintering indoors (I haven't got a greenhouse). I was just
wondering if anyone has had experience of growing this plant outdoors
without any problems. My plant is in a very sunny (west-facing) position
and should be ok there for the summer.

Jo