vine

Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea glabra 'Scarlett O'Hara'

The Story

Plant Bio

The genus Bougainvillea consists of vigorous, woody evergreen climbers native to South America, characterised by their scrambling habit and sharp structural thorns. The true flowers are small, white, and tubular, but they are surrounded by large, papery, brightly coloured bracts that provide the primary ornamental display.

'Scarlett O'Hara' is distinguished by its exceptionally large, vibrant scarlet-red to deep magenta-red bracts that cover the vine from spring through to autumn. This cultivar exhibits rapid growth, easily reaching up to six metres in height when provided with structural support like a fence or pergola.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a massive, long-lasting display of vibrant scarlet-red bracts that cover fences, walls, or pergolas from spring to autumn.

Acts as an effective barrier or security screen due to its dense growth habit and sharp, woody thorns.

Supports local Australian butterflies, native bees, and general nectar-feeding insects attracted to the bright bracts.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

236 inches

Width

196 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South America (Brazil)

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with exceptionally well-draining soil, as standing water causes rapid root rot.
Provide a sturdy support structure such as a trellis, fence, or pergola to support the heavy, scrambling stems.
Water deeply but infrequently during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, then reduce watering.
Prune lightly after major flowering flushes to maintain shape and encourage subsequent blooming wood.

Pro Tip

Apply potassium-rich fertilisers rather than high-nitrogen mixes, as excess nitrogen forces lush vegetative growth and completely suppresses the development of the colourful flower bracts.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a position that receives maximum daily sunlight to ensure prolific flowering.
Ensure the soil is highly porous and drains rapidly after heavy rainfall.
Use a slow-release, potassium-leaning fertiliser at the start of spring.

Don't

Do not over-water or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilisers which promote foliage at the expense of bracts.
Do not hack indiscriminately into old, leafless structural wood without checking for live buds.

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 pergola climberHedge or privacy screenLarge container specimen

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Rosmarinus officinalis 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 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.

When does Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea bloom?

Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea typically blooms in spring through autumn. 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.