Species

vine

Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea

The Story

Plant Bio

Bougainvillea glabra is a vigorous, woody climbing vine native to Brazil, characterized by its scrambling branches armed with sharp axillary thorns. The true flowers are small, tubular, and cream-colored, but they are surrounded by large, papery, colorful bracts that persist for months.

'Scarlett O'Hara' is distinguished by its exceptionally vibrant scarlet-red to deep magenta-red bracts that cover the vine in heavy flushes from spring through fall. The cultivar maintains a dense, multi-stemmed habit with glossy, dark green, ovate leaves that contrast sharply with the red bracts.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a massive, long-lasting display of vibrant scarlet-red bracts over dark green foliage.

Functions as a formidable security barrier or hedge due to its sharp, curved thorns.

Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to its small tubular flowers.

SpeciesBougainvillea glabraBougainvillea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

236"

Width

196"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South America (Brazil)

Toxicity

Low toxicity sap; sharp thorns

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sharply draining sandy or loamy soil.
Install a sturdy trellis, arbor, or support structure to accommodate the vigorous climbing habit.
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Apply a slow-release fertilizer high in potassium at the start of the active growing season.

Pro Tip

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate excessive green foliage at the expense of the red bracts, and never shear back into old, leafless wood as it lacks the buds to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear thick leather gloves when handling the plant to protect against sharp thorns.
Prune lightly after each major flowering flush to shape the vine and stimulate new blooming wood.
Grow in containers in zones colder than USDA Zone 10 to allow for winter protection.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained soils, which causes fatal root rot.
Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leafy growth instead of colorful bracts.
Do not shear hard into old, leafless wood, as it regenerates poorly.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
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 along fences

Companion Plants

Lonicera sempervirens Mandevilla Plumbago auriculata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea questions

What zones can Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea grow in?

Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea deer resistant?

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

When does Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea bloom?

Scarlet O'Hara 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 Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea need full sun?

Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea drought tolerant?

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