Greetings from the Bougainvillea clan! We are a vibrant and sun-worshipping family, and we must say, the Californian climate feels like home. Our core needs are simple: abundant sunshine, well-drained soil, and warmth. The Mediterranean and coastal climates of California provide an almost perfect environment for many of us to thrive. However, not all varieties are created equal; some of us are better suited to the occasional chill of Northern California, while others crave the relentless heat of the south.
For the hottest, sunniest parts of California, like Southern California inland valleys, we have champions. The 'Barbara Karst' is a legendary variety amongst us. We are incredibly vigorous, producing a massive cascade of deep magenta-red bracts from spring straight through to fall. We are drought-tolerant once established and can handle the intense heat with gusto. Another stellar performer is 'San Diego Red'. As the name implies, we are a classic, boasting large, fiery red bracts that hold their color brilliantly under the strong California sun. Our growth is robust, making us perfect for covering fences and walls quickly.
Along the cooler coast or in areas like the Bay Area that experience more moderate temperatures and summer fog, some of our cousins excel. 'California Gold' is a magnificent choice. We offer a stunning display of large, golden-yellow bracts that provide a classic Californian vibe. We are slightly less aggressive than the red varieties, making us easier to manage in garden landscapes. The 'Rosenka' is another superb option for these areas. We are a more compact, mounding variety, transitioning from beautiful orange-gold to a soft pink as our bracts mature. This versatility and manageable size make us ideal for containers and smaller gardens.
For gardeners seeking something truly unique, several of us offer distinctive traits. The 'Double Pink' variety is a showstopper. Unlike most of our kin who have papery bracts in sets of three, we produce clusters of double-flowers, creating a lush, rose-like appearance that is exceptionally beautiful. If you desire a more restrained and elegant look, consider the 'White Cascade'. We produce a profusion of pristine, white bracts that create a stunning, cooling effect in the garden, especially under the moonlight. We are also less thorny than many other varieties, which is a valued trait.
To help us thrive, please understand our nature. We demand excellent drainage; waterlogged roots are our greatest enemy. Plant us in a sunny, south-facing location where we can bask in at least six hours of direct sun. While we are drought-tolerant, deep but infrequent watering during the establishment phase and extreme heat is appreciated. Crucially, please avoid over-fertilizing us, especially with high-nitrogen formulas. This will encourage excessive leafy growth at the expense of our beautiful colorful bracts. A phosphorus-rich fertilizer in early spring is all we need to put on our spectacular show for you.
