Should I Buy a Bougainvillea for My Greek Home?

You’ve probably seen them on Instagram, with their bright pink leaves contrasting with the white and blue homes in the Cyclades — a symbol of summer in Greece. Now that I have a home in Greece, should I buy a bougainvillea? Is it easy to take care of a bougainvillea? Where do bougainvilleas grow best, and how do I take care of one?

Bougainvillas in Greece
Bougainvilleas in Greece

What is a Bougainvillea? 

Bougainvilleas are known best for their colorful leaves. They come in brilliant white, yellow, gold, purple, and pink, most commonly – althrough there are other colors. In reality the bright colors are not flowers, but are the plant’s leaves. The leaves have a texture like paper and this is why the bougainvillea is also called the “paperflower”.

 

The flower of the bougainvillea is in fact white. It’s just hard to see the flower because of the explosion of color which surrounds it.

 

The plant is tolerant to salt and loves the Mediterranean sun, which makes it ideal for the Mediterranean climate.

 

Why Buy a Bougainvillea?

As soon as you own your new property, you may want to plant a bougainvillea. A mature bougainvillea can add up to 50k in value to the property when you consider selling in the future.

Bougainvillas in Greece
The white flower hidden among pink leaves

Why is it Called a Bougainvillea?  

No, it’s not a Greek name (although some Greeks will claim that words in every language have a root in Ancient Greek.)

 

The name of the bougainvillea plant comes from French marine admiral Louis-Antoine de Bougainville. In the mid-1700s, he offered his ship to a French botanist who traveled abroad (likely with many of his seeds.) The plan was to sail around the whole globe in a trip called the “Bougainville Expedition”. 

 

After stopping in Brazil, the French botanist found a plant with shockingly bright leaves, and decided to name it after his friend, Bougainville.  

 

Bougainvillas in Greece

Where Can I Plant Bougainvilleas? 

Bougainvilleas have shallow roots, similar to an olive tree (which is one reason why they both grow well in Greece’s rocky island terrain). As a homeowner, know that the roots are more likely to travel outwards as opposed to down. This may affect where you choose to plant your bougainvillea, so that it doesn’t affect the foundation of your home. 

 

Make sure to choose an area with full exposure to the sun at least eight hours per day. Do not keep the roots wet for a long period of time. The plant’s sign of protesting is dropping its leaves and blossoms. 

Bougainvillas in Greece
A Healthy Bougainvillea

Where Can I Find Bougainvilleas in Greece? 

You will find variations of the bougainvillea plant in Greece in the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands. Naxos, Santorini, Paros, and Amorgos are known for their bright bougainvillea colors against the pristine white houses and the blue of the sea. 

 

It is also possible to find the plant as far as Rhodes and Symi, in the towns of the Peloponnese, or in the streets of Plaka, Athens, under the Acropolis. The colors of bougainvilleas are usually seen in Greece from May all the way until the winter.  

Bougainvillas in Greece
Bougainvilleas in Nafplion
Looking for something in particular?
Marine park
BlogIn The News

Greece to Establish Two Large Marine Parks to Protect Ocean Life

 Greece is creating two large national marine parks: One in the Ionian Sea and another in the Southern Cyclades area of the Aegean Sea. Prime ...
Santorini
Blog

Greek Island Living: Which Vibe Fits You?

There’s something unique about owning a holiday home in Greece. With endless sunshine, deep blue seas, and centuries of history tucked into every corner, the ...
BlogPress Releases

Press release: Over €1 Million Economic Contribution from Each New Holiday Home Sold

Utrecht, Netherlands: The sale of just one newly built holiday home to foreign buyers can bring a total benefit of over €1 million (€1.09 million) ...
BlogReal Estate

Discover Peaceful Living: Hidden Greek Properties with Charm

For those dreaming of a life in Greece far from crowded beaches and tourist hotspots, there’s a quieter path waiting, lined with cobbled streets, sea ...
Building permit
BlogRegional Guides

What Type of Building Permit Do You Need to Build or Renovate in Greece?

If you’re planning to build or renovate a property in Greece, navigating the country’s building permit system is essential. Greek law distinguishes between different categories ...
BlogPurchase Tips

How Are Houses Built in Greece? A Civil Engineer Explains

Buying a home is always a big decision, especially when you’re purchasing in a country with unfamiliar regulations, building standards, and customs. For many international ...
Your search results

Compare Listings