Question
Will Bouganvilleas do well in north/central Florida (near the Gainesville area)...  I would love to plant these along our fence for beauty and as a deterrent (thorns).  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Linda,
Thanx for your question.  Bougainvillea are hardy to zone 9 and should survive in the Gainsville area.  If you have a cold spell the leaves may drop but the plant will emerge once the temperatures have returned to normal.  Here is a link that I think you will find helpful.  I hope this helps.
Tom

http://www.floridata.com/ref/B/boug_spp.cfm