Crimson Jewel Bougainvillea

Crimson Jewel Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra 'Crimson Jewel') is a big, bold evergreen climber that throws out masses of deep crimson-red colour from spring right through to autumn. It grows 2m to 4m tall and can spread 4m to 10m wide, so it covers a fence, pergola or shed with ease, and its fresh new growth opens in burnt orange tones. Give it sun, drainage and a frost free position, and it does the rest.

Why you'll love it

• Colour for months. The crimson comes from papery bracts around tiny true flowers, and bracts hold their shade far longer than petals do. Expect colour from spring until autumn.
• Covers big structures. A vigorous climber that clothes fences, pergolas, arbours and sheds, and hides what you would rather not see.
• Drought tolerant and unfussed. Once settled it copes with dry spells, and it grows in poor soil and salty soil as well.
• Many ways to grow it. Ramble it over a trellis or fence, train it up a pergola, clip it into a loose hedge or pop it in a pot.
• Rich foliage. Lush green leaves and burnt orange new growth make the plant handsome even between flushes of colour.

Where it works best

Pergolas and arbours. Plant one at the base of each post and tie the long canes in along the beams. Within a few seasons it forms a roof of colour.

Fences and sheds. Plant 3m apart along the line and let the stems scramble up wires or a trellis. It has plenty of reach, so allow for it.

Loose hedges. Set plants 1.5m apart and clip after each flush of colour. The result is a loose, flowery barrier rather than a formal wall.

Pots. A single plant in a large pot with a strong support works on a sunny patio, kept smaller by pruning.

Growing Crimson Jewel Bougainvillea in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and a warm position, protected from heavy frost and harsh winter chills. It suits tropical, subtropical and frost free warm temperate gardens. In cooler regions, grow it in a pot that can come under cover for winter.

Soil. Well drained soil, ideally with a little organic matter. Poor and salty soils are fine as long as water does not pool around the roots.

Water and feed. Water lightly but regularly for the first 12 months to build a good root system and leaf growth. After that it is drought tolerant. Mulch, and apply a slow release fertiliser: regular feeding improves flowering.

Pruning. Prune straight after flowering to hold the shape. Wear thick gloves, because bougainvilleas often carry small thorns, which are how they climb.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Crimson Jewel Bougainvillea as tube stock and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly in warm soil, while the 200mm pots give you larger plants that start covering a trellis sooner. Give either a stake or small support from the start.

Availability of the tube depends on our grower. If it is sold out when you visit, use the notify button on the page and you will be emailed the day it comes back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full bougainvillea range
• Bougainvillea care tips
• Climbers for fences and pergolas
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants

Common questions

Why is mine not flowering?

Usually too little sun or pruning at the wrong time. Give it full sun, prune just after a flush, water lightly and feed regularly, since regular feeding improves flowering.

Will it survive frost?

It is frost tender and best kept to frost free gardens. In frost prone areas, grow it in a pot and move it under cover through winter.

How do I stop it taking over?

Prune after each flush and tie the long canes in along supports. For small spaces, a pot keeps it far more compact.