Bourgainvillea In The Uk

[bond]

Has anyone or knows anyone who has successfully grown and kept a Bourgainvillea alive in the UK outdoors. I guess in the far SW parts of the UK and maybe C London there may be some examples. I understand frost is the main killer. It is a beautiful flowering vine/bush and I would like to attempt it, assuming the Barbara Karst variety which I think is supposed to be the toughest. Thoughts and experience from good gardeners welcome please.

[Prudie]

I've never actually seen one growing outside in UK (I'm on Dorset). This won't help you but have to say my pride and joy is a 6ft high and wide bougainvillea that I've had growing in my conservatory for the last 8 years. It's currently absolutely laden with deep pink 'flowers'.

[Prudie]

Should add that I thought they shouldn't go below 45 F so there's nowhere in UK that can guarantee that,

[woofgang]

I live in the south and used to keep them out late spring to autumn then under glass. I stopped having them because of the long wicked thorns. Its not often mentioned that its thorny plant.

[treetops68]

As Prudie has stated you need a conservatory or greenhouse with a min. night temp. of 10 C (50 f according to my bible) as they are tropical or sub-tropical shrubs.

[Buenchico]

To back up Treetops, the RHS website says that a minimum temperature of 10C is required:
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=816