Description

Bougainvillea ‘Key West White’ – A Stunning White Beauty for Your Garden

Looking for a tropical plant that adds instant brightness to your garden? Bougainvillea ‘Key West White’ might be exactly what you need. This vigorous flowering vine turns ordinary fences, patios, and trellises into dazzling walls of white. With clusters of creamy white bracts and lush green foliage, it’s a showstopper that feels elegant yet effortless.

Unlike many bougainvilleas with bold reds or purples, ‘Key West White’ brings a softer touch. Its clean, cool blooms stand out beautifully against deep green leaves and sunny skies. Perfect for warm climates and sunny spots, this variety thrives with minimal care—ideal for gardeners who want big impact without endless work.

Let’s explore what makes this plant so special, how to care for it, and why it deserves a spot in your landscape.

What Is Bougainvillea ‘Key West White’?

• Type: Tropical flowering vine

• Bracts: Bright white (often mistaken for flowers)

• Foliage: Medium green, oval leaves

• Growth Habit: Fast-growing, vining or bushy if pruned

• Mature Size: 15–30 feet tall and wide when untrained; smaller with pruning

• Sun Needs: Full sun (6+ hours daily)

• USDA Zones: 9–11 outdoors; container growing possible anywhere

The “flowers” you see are actually bracts—special leaves surrounding tiny, true flowers at the center. These bracts last far longer than typical blooms, giving the plant its signature tropical look almost year-round.

Best Places to Plant It

Bougainvillea loves sunshine. More sun equals more flowers. If it doesn’t get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, you’ll see plenty of leaves but fewer blooms.

Ideal conditions include:

• Full sun exposure

• Well-draining soil (no soggy roots)

• Room for spreading or climbing

Great planting options:

• In-ground beds in warm zones

• Large patio pots for mobility

• Hanging baskets for trailing displays

• Against fences, arbors, or trellises for vertical drama

In colder regions, plant it in containers and move indoors when temperatures dip below 40°F.

Watering Tips

Bougainvillea is drought-tolerant once established. Overwatering encourages leafy growth instead of flowers. The best approach? Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

• New plants: Water regularly for 6–8 weeks to help roots establish.

• Established plants: Water deeply only when the top inch of soil is dry.

• Container plants: Check soil moisture more often; let it dry slightly before watering again.

Remember: A little stress (slightly dry soil) encourages blooming.

Soil and Fertilizer

This plant isn’t fussy, but it thrives in light, well-draining soil. Sandy or loamy mixes are perfect. Heavy soil? Amend with compost or coarse sand to improve drainage.

• Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring through early fall).

• Choose a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or one slightly higher in phosphorus (10-20-10) to promote flowering.

• Avoid excess nitrogen, which leads to leafy growth instead of blooms.

Pruning for Shape and Flowers

Pruning is key to keeping your plant beautiful and controlled.

• Lightly prune after each blooming cycle to shape and encourage new growth.

• Trim long, wild vines to maintain fullness.

• Perform a heavier prune in late winter or early spring to prepare for active growth.

Want a bushy look? Prune often. Want a dramatic climber? Train the vines up walls or trellises and prune lightly.

Protecting From Cold

‘Key West White’ thrives in heat but dislikes cold. It tolerates temperatures down to about 30°F but will suffer in frost.

For colder climates:

• Grow in containers and bring indoors for winter.

• Move indoors before temperatures drop below 40°F.

• Place near a bright window and reduce watering during winter rest.

If planted in the ground, cover with a frost blanket or old sheet during cold snaps.

Pollinators and Pests

Though the true flowers are tiny, they still draw bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. Bougainvillea rarely suffers from pests, but occasional aphids, mealybugs, or caterpillars may appear.

To manage pests:

• Spray with water to knock them off.

• Use insecticidal soap if infestations persist.

Container Growing Tips

Bougainvillea ‘Key West White’ thrives in large containers, making it ideal for patios and balconies.

Container care essentials:

• Use a pot with good drainage.

• Fill with a light, sandy potting mix (add perlite for extra drainage).

• Position in full sun.

• Water when the top inch is dry.

• Fertilize monthly during spring and summer.

• Prune to maintain size and shape.

Container plants stay smaller, making them easier to manage and move.

Why Gardeners Love ‘Key West White’

This variety stands out for many reasons:

• Elegant white bracts with tropical charm

• Vigorous growth and repeat blooming

• Low maintenance once established

• Thrives in heat and sun

• Attracts pollinators while resisting pests

• Perfect for fences, trellises, or containers

Quick Care Guide