Desert Garden Star: 'Barbara Karst' Bougainvillea

In many regions, red flowers are considered too bold for a gentle garden. But in the desert, red is perfect—it refuses to fade under scorching sun or harsh reflected light off hardscapes. Landscape architect Puck Erickson champions 'Barbara Karst' bougainvillea as the longest-blooming, most resilient variety for the Southwest.

Unmatched Performance

This unabashedly red climber doesn't lose freshness in summer heat or defoliate quickly in winter. When frost nips its tender vines, 'Barbara Karst' rebounds faster than most varieties. In the Weatherups' Scottsdale garden, it thrives on a south-facing poolside wall that absorbs winter warmth while canyon breezes and pool humidity moderate summer heat.

Tough and Adaptable

Bougainvillea handles alkaline soils with ease and is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established, needing water only every 10 days or so in summer. For a bold, carefree splash of color in hot, dry climates, 'Barbara Karst' is hard to beat.