Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst': The Reliable, Red-Flowered Vine

Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst' is one of the most popular and reliable cultivars, with vibrant magenta-red bracts that bloom heavily in cycles throughout the year. It's a vigorous, thorny vine that can cover walls, fences, and arbors. Native to South America, Bougainvillea thrives in heat and sun.

Cultivation Keys

Full sun is non-negotiable for bloom. Well-drained soil—slightly dry conditions promote flowering. Avoid overwatering and high nitrogen fertilizer. Prune after each bloom cycle. In zones 9-11, it's evergreen; cooler zones, grow in containers and overwinter indoors.

Uses and Varieties

Train on walls, pergolas, or as a sprawling shrub. Dwarf cultivars exist for containers. 'Barbara Karst' is known for its cold hardiness (to 20°F) and free-flowering nature. The true flowers are small and white inside the bracts.

Taxonomic Profile