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Scarlet Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea × buttiana
Hard · Experienced growersAbout Scarlet Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea × buttiana is a vigorous tropical climbing shrub celebrated for its stunning display of colorful bracts—papery modified leaves in shades of purple, magenta, red, and orange that surround tiny white flowers. Native to South America and widely grown in tropical and subtropical gardens, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating drought once established. This long-blooming climber covers walls, fences, and trellises with dramatic color from spring through fall.
- Drought-tolerant
- Climbing
- Long-blooming
- Container-friendly
How to care for Scarlet Bougainvillea
Watering
- Springevery 7 days
- Summerevery 5 days
- Fallevery 14 days
- Winterevery 30 days
Soil · Well-draining
- Top dressingPine bark mulch10%
- Main mixPotting soil + perlite 2:170%
- DrainageLECA / gravel20%
Never skip the drainage layer — standing water is the top cause of root rot.
FERTILIZER
Bloom Booster 10-52-10
A phosphorus-forward feed fuels abundant blooms, with just enough nitrogen and potassium to keep foliage and roots steady.
- Nitrogen · Leaves
- Phosphorus · Roots + Blooms
- Potassium · Strength
- Springevery 30 days
- Summerevery 30 days
- Fallevery 30 days
At a Glance
- NativeSouth America
- Height3–10 ft (0.9–3 m)
- Spread3–10 ft (0.9–3 m)
- Flower colorPurple, Pink, Red, Orange
- Foliage colorGreen
- SoilWell-drained, Moist
- LocationsYard · Balcony
Bloom time
BLOOM CYCLE
Peak bloom
May–Nov
This is a plant with a long blooming period, typically flowering from late spring to autumn.
Fragrance
LIGHT FRAGRANCE
Small white true flowers emit a faint sweet scent
Toxicity
No toxicity has been reported for this plant. Still, it is wise to keep pets from chewing on any houseplant.
Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
DISTRIBUTION
- Native
- South America
History
Bougainvillea × buttiana traces its origins to the lush coastal cliffs of South America, where wild bougainvilleas cling to rocky slopes with remarkable tenacity. The genus was named in honor of Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, the first Frenchman to circumnavigate the globe. In 1767, botanist Philibert Commerçon discovered the blazing climbing vine in Brazil during Bougainville's Pacific expedition and named it after his commander.
The plant's vivid 'flowers' are a botanical illusion: the brilliant colors are actually bracts—modified leaves—that surround three tiny, inconspicuous white tubular flowers. This deception is so effective that early European explorers were themselves fooled.
Bougainvillea × buttiana is a hybrid between Bougainvillea glabra and Bougainvillea peruviana, first documented in Trinidad and widely distributed through British colonies. By the 20th century, hundreds of cultivars had been developed in shades from white and yellow to deep crimson and vibrant magenta.
In China, the plant is called 三角梅 (Sān jiǎo méi)—triangular plum blossom—for the three-bract formation surrounding each flower cluster. It is the national flower of Grenada and emblematic of cities from Los Angeles and Miami to Taipei and Mumbai, celebrated across tropical cultures as a symbol of warmth, abundance, and exuberance.
Symbolism & meaning
What It Symbolizes
In tropical cultures from Brazil to Thailand, bougainvillea is the plant of celebration—draped over gates, strung above doorways, planted at festivities. The blazing bracts, with their improbable intensity of color, carry a universal message of welcome and abundance. In Chinese garden tradition, 三角梅 is planted for luck and prosperity, its three-bract clusters echoing the number of good fortune. Victorian flower language associated its vivid display with passionate emotion.
- Passion — The blazing bracts in magenta and crimson evoke intense emotion and romantic ardor
- Resilience — Thrives in drought and poor soil, symbolizing strength through adversity
- Welcome — Planted at entrances across tropical cultures as a symbol of warmth and hospitality
Where the Name Comes From
Named after Louis-Antoine de Bougainville (1729–1811), French admiral who led the first French circumnavigation of the globe. Botanist Philibert Commerçon named the genus in his honor in 1767. The epithet buttiana commemorates Mrs. R.J. Butt, a former head gardener in Trinidad where this hybrid was first documented.
Uses & Fun Facts
- Spectacular bract displays cover walls, fences, and trellises with vivid color
- True white flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies
- Long-lasting bracts used in tropical floral arrangements
Related plants
More Bougainvillea plants
Plants with similar care
Pink Sand VerbenaAbronia umbellata
Drooping AgapanthusAgapanthus inapertus
Tall Kangaroo PawAnigozanthos flavidus
Narrowleaf MilkweedAsclepias fascicularis
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Scarlet Bougainvillea?
In summer, water about every 5 days; in winter, about every 30 days. Adjust for heat, pot size and drainage.
How much light does Scarlet Bougainvillea need?
Full sun: 6+ hrs direct. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.
Is Scarlet Bougainvillea toxic to cats or dogs?
No toxicity has been reported for this plant. Still, it is wise to keep pets from chewing on any houseplant. Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
Is Scarlet Bougainvillea easy to grow?
It is considered challenging and rewards experienced growers.
When does Scarlet Bougainvillea bloom?
It typically blooms May–Nov in the Northern Hemisphere.
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