1 named cultivar

‘Scarlett O'Hara’Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea

vine

Bougainvillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Bougainvillea glabra is a vigorous, scrambling evergreen woody vine native to Brazil, equipped with sharp, curved thorns in the leaf axils. It produces glossy green, ovate leaves and small, tubular cream flowers enveloped by papery, intensely colored bracts from spring through fall.

This species is highly valued for its exceptional drought tolerance and resilience in coastal environments with high salt spray. Unlike many tropical climbers, it performs best under slight moisture stress, which triggers a more profuse display of its colorful bracts.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a spectacular, long-lasting display of vibrant, papery bracts in shades of purple, pink, red, and orange.

Functions as an effective security barrier due to its sharp thorns, and offers high drought and salt tolerance once established.

Provides nesting cover and structural refuge for small birds, while butterflies and general pollinators visit the flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

354"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South America (Brazil)

Toxicity

Skin Irritant (sap/thorns)

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sharp-draining sandy or loamy soil.
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer sparingly during the active growing season.
Prune hard immediately after a flowering flush, cutting lateral branches back to two or three buds to shape.

Pro Tip

To maximize the display of colorful bracts, restrict water and fertilizer once the plant is established; over-watering and high-nitrogen feeding stimulate lush green foliage at the expense of blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in full sun to ensure maximum bract coloration.
Allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between watering cycles.
Use a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering over foliage.
Wear thick gloves when handling to protect against sharp thorns.

Don't

Do not over-water or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
Do not shear into old, leafless wood, as it will fail to produce new shoots.
Do not over-fertilize, which suppresses the colorful bracts in favor of green leaves.
Do not plant near high-traffic walkways where the thorns can cause injury.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Trellis or arbor climberSprawling groundcover on sunny slopesContainer specimen for patiosSecurity barrier planting

Companion Plants

Mandevilla splendens Plumbago auriculata Lantana camara

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bougainvillea questions

What zones can Bougainvillea grow in?

Bougainvillea is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bougainvillea deer resistant?

Yes — Bougainvillea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bougainvillea bloom?

Bougainvillea typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bougainvillea need full sun?

Bougainvillea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bougainvillea drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bougainvillea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.