Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst’

Description

Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst’ is a vigorous tropical vine known for vivid red-magenta bracts and strong warm-season flowering. It can cover a fence or trellis quickly in warm climates or be kept smaller with regular pruning in a large container.

Light and Flowering

Grow in full sun for the strongest flowering and richest color. Too much shade encourages leafy growth with fewer bracts.

Soil and Water

Use fast-draining soil or potting mix and avoid prolonged saturation. Water regularly while plants establish, then allow the upper root zone to dry somewhat between thorough waterings.

Color Pairings

The intense red-magenta bracts contrast especially well with ‘Key West White’ and the golden tones of ‘California Gold’.

Training and Containers

Train long shoots with soft ties and prune after flowering to control size. For additional ideas on using large flowering containers as focal points, see our small garden design guide.

Cold Weather Care

Protect from frost. Where winters are cold, grow ‘Barbara Karst’ in a movable container and overwinter it in a bright protected location with reduced watering while growth slows.