Transform your garden into a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired retreat with the breathtaking Purple Bougainvillea. Smothered in brilliant purple papery bracts that surround tiny white flowers, this vigorous evergreen climber delivers an unforgettable display of colour from late spring through autumn (October to May in the Western Cape), often flowering for even longer during mild weather. Perfect for cascading over pergolas, boundary walls, fences, arches, and trellises, it also lends itself beautifully to hedging, topiary, espalier, standards, or feature containers. Thriving in full sun, this hardy, waterwise favourite flourishes in coastal and Mediterranean-style gardens, attracting admiring glances while adding bold colour, texture, and timeless charm to any outdoor space.
Plant in a sunny position with well-drained soil for the best flowering display. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce watering as mature plants are drought tolerant. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and prolific flowering. Prune after the main flowering flush to maintain shape and encourage new flowering shoots. Take care when handling, as most bougainvilleas have sharp thorns along their stems.
The brilliant purple "flowers" of a bougainvillea aren't actually flowers at all, they're colourful modified leaves called bracts. The true flowers are the small white blooms nestled in the centre of each cluster.
| Botanical Name |
Bougainvillea
|
|
Growth Expectancy
|
3-4m H x 3-4m W
|
|
Position
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Sun
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| Water Smart | Yes |
| Indigenous | No |
