Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst’ is a vigorous, evergreen climber that drenches your garden in bold magenta-red colour. Its dark green, glossy leaves form the perfect backdrop for masses of luminous bracts that bloom from spring right through to late autumn — often continuing into winter in mild coastal areas. The small, pure-white flowers are strikingly bright against the bracts, creating an unforgettable show of tropical vibrancy.
Why You’ll Love It:
• Produces vibrant crimson-red bracts for an exceptionally long flowering season
• Colour stays brightest in full sun, light shade will soften tones to reddish-blue
• Exceptionally heat- and drought-tolerant once established
• Hardy and reliable, one of the toughest bougainvillea cultivars
• Perfect for coastal gardens, pergolas, fences, and sunny walls
Planting & Care:
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil to bring out the best colour. Water deeply but infrequently once established, too much water or shade reduces flowering. Feed every 6–8 weeks with a flowering shrub fertiliser during the growing season. Trim lightly after flushes of bloom to keep it neat and encourage new growth. Avoid heavy winter watering.
Cape Garden Tip:
For the brightest colour, give it sunshine and restraint, bougainvilleas bloom best when slightly stressed. Perfect for Cape Town’s coastal gardens, where it thrives in summer heat and copes well with winter rain. Pair with Lampranthus for a carpet of matching brilliance or use Tree & Shrub Fertiliser to keep growth strong and flowering prolific.
| Botanical Name |
Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst'
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Growth Expectancy
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4m H x 2m W
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Position
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Sun
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| Water Smart | Yes |
| Indigenous | No |
