Scarlett O'Hara Bougainvillea
Best fast-growing vine for adding vibrant, low-maintenance color to sunny spaces.
The Scarlett O'Hara Bougainvillea is a vigorous vine that quickly provides lush cover and stunning color. Its strong growth habit is complemented by captivating clusters of deep magenta-red bracts. This plant thrives in full sun and is low-maintenance once established, requiring minimal water. In frost-free climates, it remains evergreen, offering year-round appeal. In cooler regions, it shines as a vibrant annual in containers and hanging baskets. For optimal growth, provide support like a trellis and fertilize in spring.
$59.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2656
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
+37%
Above average
Family Name
Nyctaginaceae
/ Nyctaginaceae
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a bold, tropical focal point
- Homeowners in hot climates needing reliable summer color
- Landscapers wanting versatile plants for containers or trellises
Who should skip it
- Gardeners avoiding plants that require heavy protective gear
- Residents in regions with frequent freezing temperatures
- Homeowners who prefer low-maintenance, mess-free outdoor spaces
Performance breakdown
Growth Vigor
Rapid vining habit provides lush, dense coverage in minimal time.
Visual Impact
Deep magenta-red bracts deliver a high-contrast, vibrant focal point.
Drought Tolerance
Once established, this plant thrives with remarkably little supplemental water.
Maintenance Ease
Requires consistent pruning and structural support to manage its aggressive spread.
Climate Versatility
Limited to frost-free zones unless treated as a seasonal container plant.
Container Suitability
Adapts well to pots, though growth is restricted compared to ground-planting.
Key Specs
Family Name
Nyctaginaceae
Genus Name
Bougainvillea
Light Needs
Full sun
Mature Height
30 ft
Mature Width
As Trained
Hardiness Zone
10
Bloom Time
Summer; longer in frost-free areas
Soil Type
Average, Lean
Features
- Vigorous vine for rapid coverage
- Captivating deep magenta-red bracts
- Evergreen in frost-free climates
- Vibrant annual for containers
- Requires full sun
- Low water needs once established
- Trained on trellises or supports
- Drought tolerant
What customers say
Customers are consistently thrilled with the vibrant, true scarlet color of this bougainvillea, noting it brings dramatic flair to their landscapes. The primary theme is reliability; once properly planted, the vine establishes quickly and exhibits vigorous growth, often exceeding expectations for bloom density. While some mention the initial cost is higher, the exceptional quality and dependable performance make it a worthwhile investment for long lasting tropical beauty.
Know before you buy
Yes, because it is a vigorous vine, it requires a sturdy trellis, fence, or wall for support. Without a structure to climb, it will sprawl along the ground rather than growing vertically.
Absolutely. In regions with frost, it thrives as a vibrant annual in containers. Simply move the pot to a protected area or treat it as a seasonal plant, as it is only hardy year-round in zones 10 and above.
This variety requires full sun to produce its signature deep magenta-red bracts. If planted in a shaded area, the plant will likely produce more foliage and fewer blooms.
Once the root system is well-established, it is quite drought-tolerant and requires minimal water. However, you should provide regular moisture during the first season to help the plant settle into its new environment.
Bougainvillea prefers average, lean soil that drains very quickly. Avoid heavy, water-retentive soils, as the roots are sensitive to sitting in excess moisture.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$60