Introduction to Bougainvillea - Daves Garden Bougainvillea spectabilis can reportedly be identified by its woolly, rounded leaves, large curved thorns and ovoid bracts of reds and purples Bougainvillea glabra is a smaller-branched and leaved plant with less thorns and less overall size, and perhaps with less color options (usually magentas or purples)
Texas Gardening:Bougainvillea infomation page Bougainvillea need a higher percentage of nitrogen to stimulate growth because the new bracts are produced on the new growth With Rose Glo, a higher percentage of phosphorous is available to stimulate budding and blooming which is necessary for your roses ( as well as other types of flowering plants)
Bougainvilleas - which ones dont have thorns? A coworker said "bougainvillea is really a hardy plant and would probably thrive there" so I thought that was a good idea as long as I could find one without thorns! ;-) I've been keeping my eye on the RU thread Looks like someone in Huntington Beach (can't think of who that is) may have a location date soon