How to Grow Bougainvillea Scarlett O'Hara

Bougainvillea Scarlett O'Hara

Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Scarlett O'Hara'

shrub

Bougainvillea Scarlett O'Hara is a vibrant ornamental shrub renowned for its brilliant deep red to magenta papery bracts that surround small white flowers. This hybrid cultivar is a vigorous, heat-loving plant that produces prolific blooms throughout the growing season when conditions are favorable. It's an excellent choice for tropical and subtropical gardens, containers, and as a climbing specimen on trellises or walls.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; more sun increases flowering

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Water: Water moderately during growing season; allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Drought-tolerant once established; overwatering reduces blooms and promotes root rot.

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Spacing: 24 inches

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Days to maturity: Blooms appear in 60-90 days under favorable conditions; continuous throughout season

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Planting depth: Same depth as root ball when transplanting; seeds surface sown or lightly covered

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for organic matter Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 9b-12; frost-sensitive, best in zones 10-11

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b

Growth Stages

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Young plant settles in with new leaf growth and root development; minimal flowers initially

Water regularly but don't overwater; provide bright light; avoid fertilizing heavily in first month

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Vigorous stem and leaf development; plant fills out with dense foliage and branching

Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness; provide full sun; fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer

Flowering Initiation

2-3 weeks

Bracts begin to color at branch tips; small white flowers emerge surrounded by red bracts

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage more blooms; maintain full sun exposure; prune lightly to shape

Peak Flowering

8-16 weeks or more

Abundant deep red to magenta bracts cover plant; continuous blooming throughout season

Deadhead spent bracts for tidiness; water moderately; fertilize with bloom-promoting formula (lower nitrogen)

Winter Dormancy

2-4 months

Flowering slows dramatically in colder months; plant may drop some foliage; growth minimizes

Reduce watering significantly; stop fertilizing; prune to desired shape; protect from frost below 50°F

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lantana Salvia Zinnia Desert rose Mandevilla Plumbago Esperanza (Tecoma stans)

Avoid planting near:

Plants preferring moist, shaded conditions Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients Plants sensitive to salt spray if grown in coastal areas

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations
Increase humidity; spray with water; apply miticide or neem oil if severe
Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation
Hand-pick if few; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for organic control; prune affected shoots
Isolate affected plant; spray with rubbing alcohol solution or insecticidal soap; use neem oil

Uses

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Ornamental edible flowers

Culinary

The bracts are edible with a mild flavor and are used to garnish cocktails and desserts in some cultures. They add visual drama to salads and plated dishes. [source]

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Traditional remedy uses

Medicinal

In traditional medicine of tropical regions, bougainvillea leaves and bracts have been used to treat cough, asthma, and respiratory issues. Some cultures use infusions for digestive support. [source]

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Cut flower arrangements

Household

The colorful bracts make excellent long-lasting cut flowers for floral arrangements and decorative displays. Branches with bracts can be dried for dried arrangements. [source]

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Pressed flower art

Craft

The thin papery bracts are ideal for pressing and preserving in craft projects, scrapbooking, and botanical art. They retain color well when dried. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

While the showy bracts attract human eyes, the small white flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant provides valuable nectar source in drought-tolerant gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Bougainvillea is grown for ornamental display rather than harvest. Deadhead faded bracts by pinching or pruning to encourage more blooms and maintain shape. Cut flowers last several days in a vase if kept cool. Prune heavily in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Fun Facts

🌱 The showy 'petals' of bougainvillea are actually modified leaves called bracts; the true flowers are the small white centers, often overlooked due to the brilliant bracts.
🌱 Bougainvillea Scarlett O'Hara was named after the famous character from 'Gone with the Wind,' reflecting both its deep crimson color and dramatic, passionate appearance.
🌱 Bougainvillea can live for decades and are popular in Mediterranean-style gardens, Caribbean landscapes, and desert regions; some specimens in tropical areas are over 50 years old and climbing several stories high.

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