All varieties below are zone 10-11. Live in a colder zone? Use as a festive annual.
SHORT (UP TO 10 FT. TALL)
These are bougainvillea that don’t necessarily grow tall, but have branches that grow long (up 10 ft.). Useful as groundcovers on sunny hillsides or where you want color but don’t intend to “tend” the area. Also containers, especially hanging baskets and deep windowboxes.
Oo-La-La® Bougainvillea
Compact and dwarf, let cascade in a hanging basket or use as a spreading groundcover.
Blueberry Ice Bougainvillea
Spilling lavender-blue flower-like bracts are perfect for sunny hanging baskets.
Bengal Orange Bougainvillea
Liven sunny borders with this low grower’s festive mix of orange-pink bracts.
MEDIUM (UP TO 20 FT. TALL)
When you're looking for something with festival color, a medium-sized bougainvillea does the trick without overwhelming. It's eye-catching leaves can decorate a sturdy pergola or arch. Plus, it can be used to make nearly invisible a tall chain-link fence or not-so-pretty tall retaining wall.
Purple Queen® Bougainvillea
Compact, upright and spreading form that works well in planters, fences, and arbors.
White Stripe Bougainvillea
Don’t see a lot of white bougainvillea. So elegant! This one has variegated foliage.
Golden Jackpot® Bougainvillea
Tolerates light shade. Festive seasonal color in pots or long-term groundcover.
TALL (UP TO 30 FT. TALL)
We've seen very tall bougainvilleas cladding every sort of surface from estate gates to garage walls. However, it's especially effective scrambling up, over, and around the Mediterranean and Spanish architecture of the west. All good-just make sure you provide sturdy support.
Gold Rush™ Bougainvillea
Profuse golden yellow flowers are brighter than other varieties. Warm, versatile color is lovely against brick!
Cherry Blossom Bougainvillea
When you want a more subtle effect, this one’s delicate rich rose-pink circle of double bracts does the trick.
Camarillo Fiesta™ Bougainvillea
Showy, flower-like bracts that range from hot pink to gold plant this over a dark metal arbor for drama.
Lead Image: Keith Williamson Photography