9 Types of Bougainvilleas

Bougainvillaeas are tropical vines with beautiful and vibrant bracts (modified leaves) which surround tiny white flowers. So the colourful parts you see when you look at a bougainvillaea are actually the leaves, not petals! 

This stunning plant can be found in the warmest parts of the world, including Mexico, India, the Mediterranean and the southern United States. Bougainvillaeas go all the way back to 1768 when French explorer Philibert Commerçon saw these flowers in their native home of Brazil and named them after his friend, Louis Antoine de Bougainville. Since then, this pretty (but thorny!) plant has been introduced to many southern climates and is loved by many. 

With over 250 varieties of bougainvillaeas out there, most of them reach between 3 to39 feet in height. Though these vivid blooms are relatively easy to grow, they prefer to be in full sunlight and require a bit of maintenance.

9 Types of Bougainvilleas 

While widely known for their vivid colours and vine-like features, there are plenty of varieties out there that have unique characteristics to fit any garden aesthetic. Below are some of the most popular bougainvillaea varieties that are best suited for container growth.

Barbara Karst

Considered one of the most popular varieties, this beautiful shrub grows bracts in bright shades of magenta and red that surround tiny white flowers. Once they’re fully mature, they can grow up to 20 feet high. If you live in hardiness zones 9-12, consider the Barbara Karst!

Camarillo Fiesta

If you live in a hotter climate (zone 11 or higher), consider getting Camarillo Fiestas. These fast-spreading vines love the heat and grow hot pink and gold bracts that can sometimes get up to 30 feet tall.

Gold Rush

These famously gold bracts will add a warm and inviting touch to your garden and prefer hardiness zones between 10 and 12. They can grow up to 15 feet high and bloom in early spring to late fall. 

Cherry Blossom

As the name suggests, these bougainvillaeas look quite similar to the cherry blossom tree. They grow in beautiful shades of light pink with a white centre and are perfect for hanging baskets during the summertime. This variety prefers to grow in hardiness zones 9-11.

White Stripe

Looking for something more elegant? These stunning varieties grow clusters of white, round bracts that thrive in late spring to early fall. Because it tends to spread quickly, you’ll want to place it in a spiller container, where it can spill gracefully over the pot. White Stripes like to be grown in hardiness zones 11 and above.

White Madonna

Known for their fragrance, White Madonnas are often seen in shades of white and sometimes light pink. Be sure you provide moderate water and full sunlight to ensure the health and happiness of the plant. White Madonnas prefer hardiness zones 8 or 9.

Silhouette

These gorgeous lilac paper leaves are the perfect accent to any garden or home and are quite easy to care for. Unlike other bougainvillaea varieties, Silhouettes are slow-growing and completely thornless, so if you have pets or young children, this may be a good choice for you. If you live in hardiness zone 10, this variety would do well in your garden.

Purple Queen

This variety comes in a deep shade of purple and you’ll often find small white flowers within the bracts. These bougainvillaeas can grow up to 20 feet high and are perfect if you’re looking for a plant that creates a beautiful display in an outdoor setting. Keep in mind these plants like a hardiness zone of 10 or higher.

Delta Dawn

If you want a more toned-down and subtle bougainvillaea, Delta Dawns may be the perfect choice for you. The pastel orange bracts and creamy white leaves are a lovely addition to any home or patio, and they grow all-year-round! Consider these plants if you live in a hardiness zone of 9 or 10.