Ahhhh...bouganvilla.  Not only is it a fun word to say, (bouganvilla boo-gan-veeya) but it is dang pretty whether its on the thorny vine or on the ground.  Don't  you think?

Once a year, when the leaves are falling, my side yard turns a beautiful bright pink from all the petals on the ground.  They are so light and tissue paper thin that they don't deteriorate like a rose petal.  They just dry out and lighten in color a little bit.

Cutting it back can get a little dangerous, the thorns are super sharp, but its also very trainable and so pretty.  If you live in an area where it seldom gets below freezing, try a bouganvilla bush.  They come in light pink, red and white, too.