Bougainvillea Scarlet O'Hara

Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara' (Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara') is the fastest way to put deep red colour across a bare fence, pergola or blank wall. Given something to climb and left unpruned it reaches about 6m tall and 5m across, carrying heavy flushes of scarlet bracts through the warm months. It is thorny and genuinely vigorous, which is the trade off for that speed. Set plants 2m apart and the cover closes over within two seasons.

Why you'll love it

• Colour measured in months. The display comes from bracts rather than petals, so each flush holds for weeks instead of days.
• Fast cover on hard surfaces. Once the first canes are tied to a fence or pergola it clothes the structure without further help.
• Heat and dry weather suit it. Drought and heat tolerant once established, and dry roots improve the flowering rather than harming it.
• Coastal and salt tolerant. Beachfront boundaries, exposed balconies and salty wind are all within its range.

Where it works best

Screening and privacy. Plant 2m apart along a fence, wire or lattice. It scrambles rather than twines, so tie the first few canes in and it takes over from there.

Coastal gardens. Salt wind, sandy soil and reflected heat are all handled, which makes it one of the few climbers that holds up on an exposed seaside boundary.

Pots and containers. A pot 500mm or wider restricts the roots, and a root restricted plant flowers harder than one in open ground. It is also how colder districts grow it.

Growing Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara' in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, six hours or more, because shade gives leaves and no colour. It suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid gardens. It takes light frost only, so cool temperate and frosty inland districts should grow it potted against a north facing wall.

Soil. Drainage matters more than fertility. Wet, heavy ground rots the roots, so on clay plant on a raised mound with coarse compost through the backfill.

Water and feed. Water deeply through the first summer, then ease right off. Too much water and nitrogen give a wall of green with almost no colour. Use a low nitrogen flowering fertiliser in early spring.

Pruning. Cut back after each flush, shortening the long whippy canes to shape. Wear thick gloves, because the thorns are hooked and sharp. A neglected plant can be cut hard in early spring and will reshoot.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold as tube stock, in 200mm packs of six, and as single 300mm plants. Tubes are young, usually one or two canes, and they are the sensible choice for a long fence, cheap enough to plant the whole run properly. The 200mm and 300mm plants carry more framework and put you roughly a season ahead.

Plants travel packed upright and are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a quiet fortnight after planting, then strong new canes within four to six weeks in warm weather. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Bougainvillea care tips for heavy flowering
• Browse the full climbing plant range
• Salt tolerant plants for coastal gardens

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it along a fence?

Two metres apart. Closer planting does not fill the fence faster, it only makes pruning and feeding harder, and this plant has plenty of reach to close the gap on its own.

Why is mine all leaves and no colour?

Almost always too much water, too much nitrogen, or not enough sun. Let the soil dry between waterings, switch to a low nitrogen fertiliser, and check it gets six hours of direct sun.

Are the thorns a problem near a path?

They can be. The thorns are hooked and catch skin and clothing, so keep it back from narrow paths, doorways and play areas, and prune with heavy gloves.