Bougainvillea is a thorny, evergreen vine that can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) in ideal conditions. Its slender stems are covered with sharp, thorn-like protrusions, making it a great choice for hedges, fences, or trellises. The plant's main attraction, however, is its vibrant, papery bracts that surround tiny, white flowers. These colorful bracts come in a range of shades, including pink, purple, orange, red, and white.