Objective  a new bougainvillea cultivar was bred by seedling selection to add to the germplasm collection in China for landscaping.

  Method  In 2009, the seeds of natural hybrid Bougainvillea glabra Mrs. Eva Mauve Variegata were sown, and seedlings planted a year later. In the field, the selected seedlings were propagated with cut tissues from 2010 to 2013 and named Minhong 1. Subsequently, they were compared to the parent in 2013–2014, and subjected to multi-point tests in 2017–2019. Genetic relationship among cultivars was examined by GBS in 2022.

  Result  The Minhong 1 planted in Xiamen, Zhangzhou, and other localities bloomed from September to following April with an average internode distance of 1.39 cm and thorn length of 4.01 mm. The leaves were reddish orange when young and green at mature stage with an average length of 7.42 cm and width of 3.73 cm. The inflorescences borne on top and middle of the plant with purplish red bracts of an average length of 3.97 cm and width of 3.19 cm. It had 232 flowering days in a year. Minhong 1 and its parent had a close genetic relationship according to the molecular sequences.

  Conclusion  Minhong 1 was a newly bred bougainvillea cultivar with prolonged florescence, abundant flowers, and high ornamental value for landscaping. It has officially been certified as a new bougainvillea variety issued by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration with the Variety Right of No. 20210523 in October 2021.