Question
Is Bougainvillea the same as Mandevilla? Is one hardier than the other? Does one like full sun better than the other? Thanks so much for your help!
Martha

Answer
Hi Martha,
Thanx for your question.  Bougainvillea and Mandevillea are not the same plant.  Bougainvillea is a thorny, wiry vine that is native to Brazil and Peru and grown in tropical and subtropical areas.  Mandevilla is a flowering vine that is native to South America.  It is often grown in the United States as an annual flowering vine.  Bougainvillea is grown throughout subtropical areas in Florida, the Gulf Coast, Arizona, California and Hawaii.  It is grown as a landscape plant and is relatively hardy as long as there are no consistent frosts.  Mandevilla is not hardy at all and does not do well in temperatures that are consistently below 60 degrees. F.  Both plants like full sun and plenty of water.  I hope this helps.
Tom