Lots of them in South Florida. Many other colors in the Florida Keys, even a Salmon color. The thorns can be a pain if you don't pick up all the branches if you trim. They are better in areas where you would never have to trim them.

We find it grows well in spring but we can't keep it going in summer - too hot and dry. I think the Mediterranean coast and islands like Cyprus are just right for it - it needs that warm, but not too hot temperature and a bit of humidity.

It definitely grows here in southern Louisiana, and it is quite popular. I Don't grow it, but mostly because I am totally smitten with roses, so any climbers that compete for space with my climbing roses get passed over. I am just now trying a couple clematis, as it is regarded as a top climbing rose companion and won't choke roses' roots.

That was a favourite potted bush (vine) of my grandmother's, an avid gardener in Knoxville, TN, USA.

I have an orange Bougainvillea. I have to cover it on winter, otherwise it will die back. Which isn't a problem since it can grow wildly.

If I remember rightly they respond to being given a good physical thrashing.

Those are lovely especially the white one..