Prized for its tropical colors and vibrancy, bougainvillea is grown from coast to coast as a staple in all kinds of gardens. Sometimes called a “flowering machine,” bougainvillea is a fast grower that blooms in colors like red, pink, orange, and purple — although its blooms arent typical “flowers”.
The colorful blooms on bougainvillea are actually paper-like, modified leaves (called a bract) that contain bougainvilleas actual flowers, which are quite small, within. Bougainvillea flowers are the small, trumpet-shaped blooms of white and yellow held inside of the colorful bracts.
Bougainvillea is not only colorful, but its also a versatile, drought-tolerant plant, and pollinator-friendly plant. Sound like a good fit? Well tell you everything you need to know about adding bougainvillea to your landscape.
Bougainvillea is beloved for its colorful blooms that cascade gracefully down arbors, fences, and walls But many gardeners don’t realize the extensive range of hues that this classic tropical vine comes in Beyond the common pink and purple bracts, bougainvillea offers a brilliant rainbow palette for landscaping and containers.
In this article, we’ll explore the diverse colors bougainvillea can produce. We’ll highlight how selective breeding has expanded the color choices enormously in modern hybrids. And we’ll recommend some vibrant varieties to try for each tone.
Overview of Bougainvillea’s Color Diversity
While often associated with magenta blooms, bougainvillea actually comes in a wide spectrum of colors, thanks to intensive hybridization programs. Here’s a quick overview of the hues now available:
- Reds – From vivid crimson to ruby red
- Pinks – Ranging from soft pastels to neon bright pink
- Purples – Lavender, violet, magenta, deep royal purple
- Oranges – Bright tangerine to salmon coral orange
- Yellows – Buttery lemon to bold golden yellow
- Whites – Clean, pure white blooms
- Bicolors – Combinations like red-orange or purple-pink
This diversity arises from selective breeding of natural mutations in the original Brazilian bougainvillea species. Now let’s look closer at some top standout varieties for each brilliant color.
Best Red Bougainvillea Varieties
Red bougainvilleas make a dramatic bold statement in any garden. Some top red varieties to try include
- Barbara Karst – Dense ruby red bracts with cream blooms
- California Red – Vibrant cherry crimson red bracts
- Juanita Hatten – Prolific bloomer with bright cherry red bracts
- Mrs. Butt – Dark scarlet red bracts on fast growing vines
- Royal Purple – Purple foliage sets off bright red bracts
Red bougainvilleas lend sophistication, curb appeal, and passion to landscapes and containers.
Lovely Pink Bougainvillea Varieties
For a delicate, feminine look, pink bougainvilleas offer graceful charm. Some noted pink varieties are:
- Double Pink – Peachy pink ruffly bracts around white blooms
- Elsie Watson – Cool toned lavender pink bracts
- Roseville Pink – Clear rose pink bracts on vigorous vines
- Temple Fire – Vivid neon bright pink bracts make a statement
- Torch Glow – Prolific bloomer with brilliant hot pink bracts
Pink bougainvilleas range from soft pastels to vivids, gracing gardens with elegance.
Stunning Purple Bougainvillea Varieties
Deep regal purple blooms evoke drama and allure Some top purple varieties include
- Purple Haze – Bold reddish purple bracts with creamy blooms
- Royal Purple – Deep burgundy foliage sets off purple bracts
- San Diego Red – Magenta red bracts fade to purple in cool weather
- Singapore Pink – Despite the name, bears rich purple bracts
- Violet – True violet bracts bloom heavily on compact plants
Rich purple bougainvilleas lend elegance and visual depth to landscapes.
Vibrant Orange Bougainvillea Varieties
Orange bougainvilleas shine with warm, solar colors. Great orange varieties include:
- California Gold – Bright tangerine orange bracts for bold contrast
- Flame – Prolific orange red bracts surrounding cream blooms
- Orange King – Extra large burnt orange bracts make a statement
- Orange Blossom Special – Vibrant orange red bracts on vigorous vines
- Sundown – Dark orange bracts on compact plants perfect for containers
Orange bougainvilleas bring energy, excitement, and curb appeal to gardens.
Cheerful Yellow Bougainvillea Varieties
Yellow is the rarest bougainvillea color but lends a sunny, cheerful vibe. Some top yellow varieties are:
- Golden Glow – Abundant golden yellow bracts bloom continually
- Jamaica White – Delicate creamy lemon yellow bracts
- Mary Palmer – Soft buttery yellow bracts contrast nicely with foliage
- Mrs. Eva – Brilliant golden blooms for bold color impact
- Singchai – Prolific lemon yellow bracts all season long
Add a ray of sunshine with yellow bougainvilleas, a special color.
Two-Tone Bicolor Bougainvillea Varieties
For extra visual punch, some bougainvilleas produce bicolor blooms in two tones:
- Duet – Combines both purple and orange bracts
- Floriflora Pink – Blends pink and white variegated bracts
- Raspberry Ice – Vivid red and soft pink bracts
- San Diego Red – Shifts between magenta and purple
Bicolors create depth through the interplay of their two distinct colors.
Discover the Spectrum of Bougainvillea Colors
While long popular in purple, bougainvillea offers a full spectrum of color possibilities through selective breeding. Now gardeners can choose from a rainbow assortment of reds, oranges, yellows, whites, and bicolors. With so many vibrant hues, it’s easy to find the perfect bougainvillea colors to bring your garden vision to life!
What are the Different Varieties of Bougainvillea?
Because it is such a showy and easy-to-grow plant, there are tons of varieties of Bougainvillea on the market today. Monrovia alone grows about 20 different varieties of Bougainvillea. Only the best varieties of Bougainvilleas are chosen to be grown by Monrovia, so be sure to look for vigorous, colorful Bougainvilleas in the classic green pot at your local garden center.
Bougainvillea Species and Varieties
Among the numerous bougainvillea species, two stand out for cultivation in home gardens: Bougainvillea spectabilis and Bougainvillea glabra. The best-performing bougainvillea tend to be hybrid varieties, like Purple Queen® and Barbara Karst. Plus, dwarf varieties like Rosenka Bougainvillea, Oo-La-La®, and Rasberry Ice tend to have more of a mounding, spreading habit that is perfect for containers.
An example of Bougainvillea spectabilis. One of the most elegant bougainvilleas, featuring clusters of clear white flower-like bracts against pleasing green and white variegated foliage. The strong vine-like habit provides quick cover and a beautiful show throughout the warm season. Zones 9-11; or grow as annual.
An example of Bougainvillea glabra. Exquisite pink flower-like bracts tinged with white blanket this attractive smaller mounding bougainvillea. Lovely planted against a sunny wall, or in a patio container or hanging basket, where it will provide fantastic color from spring through fall. Zones 9-11; or grow as annual.
An example of a fantastic bougainvillea hybrid. This showy climber provides a double shot of color with every new flush of growth emerging a dramatic dark burgundy, followed by deep burgundy flower-like bracts. Use for a lush tropical effect on arbors, trellises, fences, and containers. Zones 10-11; or grow as annual.
Known for its large, brightly colored bracts and vigorous growth, Bougainvillea spectabilis stands out as a showstopper. Its bracts are often more vibrant and larger than those of other bougainvillea varieties, making it a popular choice for gardeners wanting a dramatic floral display. B. spectabilis is native to Brazil and is often used to breed new cultivars of bougainvillea because of its growth and vibrancy.
Bougainvillea glabra (also native to Brazil) is celebrated for its glossy leaves and a more manageable growth habit. Sometimes called “paper flower,” B. glabra is smaller, smoother, and more slender than B. spectabilis, making it a great variety for container growing or smaller gardens.
Bougainvillea peruviana, with its distinct, smaller bracts and slower growth habit, is perfect for those seeking a more natural, less manicured appearance. B. peruviana is native to Peru and is known to be less vigorous than other bougainvillea varieties; it usually requires pruning to promote substantial branching. This variety is resilient in hot, dry locations, tolerating long and sunny summer months.
Bougainvillea hybrids are cultivars of bougainvillea that have been selectively bred for specific traits such as color, size, and growth habit. Some popular bougainvillea hybrid species include gardener favorites like Oo-La-La®, Purple Queen®, Burgundy Queen®, Gold Rush™, Barbara Karst, and many more. Hybrids often produce an abundance of colorful bracts, are long-blooming, and are well-suited for home gardens and containers.
Mixed Bougainvillea! Close up look at its beautiful colors!
FAQ
How many colors does bougainvillea come in?
Its long arching thorny branches bear heart-shaped leaves and masses of papery bracts in white, pink, orange, purple, and burgundy.
Which color bougainvillea is best?
Bouganvillea Colours
The lilac variations are closest to the original Brazilian bougainvillea shades, while the delicate pinks and whites – especially the “Bridal Bouquet” – have a fairy-tale quality. The reds and oranges are opulent and fiery, the purples positively regal, and the violet shades vivacious and enticing.
Do bougainvillea prefer sun or shade?
Bougainvillea thrive outside in sunny conditions. For maximum blooming, they need direct sunlight for at least 5 hours per day. If planted in shade or partial shade (less than 5 hours of sunlight per day), your Bougainvillea may have healthy vegetative growth, but little or no bract formation or flowering.
What is the lifespan of a bougainvillea plant?
Bougainvillea plants can live for several decades, often around 50 years, when provided with proper care and suitable growing conditions. Some bougainvillea plants, particularly those in bonsai form, can even live for over 100 years, according to Westdale Nursery.