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bougainvillea bush

A bougainvillea bush brings a burst of tropical colour to New Zealand gardens, thriving in sunny spots with minimal care. Known for its vibrant bracts—leaf-like petals that “flower” for months—this resilient plant is perfect for hedges, feature shrubs, or spilling over fences. Whether you’re after brilliant reds, rich purples, or dazzling golds, a bougainvillea bush transforms any outdoor space into a lively oasis.

A Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara' vine on a trellis with masses of red flowers.

Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara'

5 from 5 customers

Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara' is a vigorous climber that produces magnificent, rich red flowers. In cool climates it flowers during summer only, but in warmer climates it may flower throughout the year and remain evergreen. It typically grows to 5 m tall and 4 m wide, but is usually trimmed to control growth. Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara' is perfect for training over an arch or gazebo, or allowing to ramble along a fence. Where it doesn’t have a support structure, it will grow as a groundcover and can be used for planting on a bank or the like.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Arches, Banks, Containers, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Bougainvillea 'Hawaiian Gold' yellow-orange flowers against dark green foliage.

Bougainvillea 'Hawaiian Gold'

5 from 6 customers

Bougainvillea ‘Hawaiian Gold’ is a striking and hardy climber that bursts into brilliant golden-yellow bracts throughout the warmer months. This tropical beauty brings a radiant, sun-drenched glow to New Zealand gardens and thrives in full sun. Perfect for fences, pergolas, and walls, it offers months of dazzling colour while requiring very little maintenance once established.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Bougainvillea 'Magnifica Traillii' climber with purple flowers and lush, green foliage.
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Bougainvillea 'Hawaiian Orange' flowers.
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Bougainvillea ‘Hawaiian Orange’ is a stunning and vigorous climber that produces a brilliant display of fiery orange bracts throughout the warmer...

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Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' purple-pink flowers and variegated foliage.
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Bougainvillea ‘Purple Patch’ is a dazzling climbing plant that delivers an abundance of rich purple bracts through the warmer months. Perfect for...

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Bougainvillea 'Krishna' light purple flower.
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Bougainvillea 'Krishna' is a dwarf variety that grows compactly with few thorns, yet produces impressive flowers. Throughout the summer, it bears...

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Bougainvillea 'Ningili' is a dwarf variety of Bougainvillea that grows compactly with few thorns, yet produces impressive flowers. Through summer it...

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Clerodendrum ugandense (Blue Butterfly Bush) blue flowers.
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Bougainvillea 'Red Zed' plant with red flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Red Zed'

Bougainvillea ‘Red Zed’ is a vibrant and hardy climber that produces masses of deep red bracts, bringing rich, tropical colour to New Zealand...

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Bougainvillea 'Serenity' white flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Serenity'

Bougainvillea ‘Serenity’ is an elegant and colourful climbing plant that produces masses of soft pink-lavender bracts, creating a calming and...

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Bougainvillea 'Plum Crazy' pink-purple flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Plum Crazy'

Bougainvillea ‘Plum Crazy’ is a breathtaking variety that bursts with rich purple-plum bracts, adding dramatic colour and tropical flair to New...

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Bougainvillea Beesnees plant with masses of white flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Beesnees'

Bougainvillea ‘Beesnees’ is a compact, colourful variety producing masses of bright golden-yellow bracts that hold their colour well through the...

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Bougainvillea 'Saffron' yellow flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Saffron'

Bougainvillea ‘Saffron’ is a radiant and hardy climbing plant that produces masses of glowing golden-orange bracts through the warmer months. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Bambino Little Guy' plant with masses of dark purple flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Little Guy'

Bougainvillea 'Little Guy' is a dwarf variety that grows compactly with few thorns, yet produces impressive flowers. Throughout the summer, it bears...

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Bougainvillea 'Purity' plant covered in white flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Purity'

Bougainvillea 'Purity' grows compactly with few thorns, yet produces impressive flowers. Through summer, it bears impressive, white flowers which are...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Killie Campbell' plant with masses of pink-purple flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Killie Campbell'

Bougainvillea ‘Killie Campbell’ is a stunning, fast-growing climber that bursts into vivid shades of orange and pink throughout the warmer months...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Pretty Purple' flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Pretty Purple'

Bougainvillea ‘Pretty Purple’ is a dazzling climber that produces masses of vibrant purple bracts over many months, bringing tropical colour and...

OUT OF STOCK
A Bougainvillea glabra plant with masses of pink flowers.
Bougainvillea glabra

Bougainvillea glabra is a spectacular and colourful, fast-growing climber. This specimen produces multi-coloured flowers in clusters surrounded by...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Carmencita' hot-pink flowers as a large cluster.
Bougainvillea 'Carmencita'

Bougainvillea ‘Carmencita’ is a spectacular climbing plant that produces masses of rich crimson-red bracts, adding bold tropical colour to New...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Tropical Rainbow' pink flowers with variegated and cream foliage.
Bougainvillea 'Tropical Rainbow'

Bougainvillea 'Tropical Rainbow' is a spectacular and colourful climber. This Bougainvillea features rich, purple flowers which are held amidst the...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea Golden Doubloon double orange flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Golden Doubloon'

Bougainvillea ‘Golden Doubloon’ is a radiant climbing plant that produces masses of bright golden-yellow bracts throughout the warmer months. Its...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Mary Palmer' pink flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Mary Palmer'

Bougainvillea 'Mary Palmer' is a lovely, semi-evergreen climber that flowers multiple times through the year with impressive pink flowers. The large...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Salsa' red flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Salsa'

Bougainvillea ‘Salsa’ is a vibrant and eye-catching climbing plant that produces an explosion of fiery red and magenta bracts through the warmer...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Ciata' plant with orange flowers and lush foliage.
Bougainvillea 'Ciata'

Bougainvillea ‘Ciata’ is a vibrant and hardy climbing plant that produces a spectacular display of magenta to pink bracts throughout the warmer...

OUT OF STOCK
Masses of Bougainvillea bambino 'Pedro' red flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Pedro'

Bougainvillea ‘Pedro’ is a vibrant and hardy climbing plant that produces masses of deep magenta-red bracts through the warmer months. Its bold...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Bambino Zuki' plant with purple-red flowers and variegated leaves.
Bougainvillea 'Zuki'

Bougainvillea ‘Zuki’ is a stunning, compact climbing plant that produces a spectacular display of bright pink to magenta bracts for much of the year...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Bougainvillea, Clerodendrum, and Convolvulus, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, and Perennials.

Search bougainvillea bush

Discover the Beauty of Bougainvillea Bushes

Bougainvillea bushes are celebrated for their long-flowering season and striking colours. Although they’re often trained as climbers, the bushy form is a showstopper in its own right, growing as a freestanding shrub or shaped into topiary forms. Their thorny stems make them an effective, decorative barrier, keeping pets and livestock away while attracting pollinators.

In New Zealand’s mild climate, bougainvillea bushes thrive in containers or garden beds, preferring well-drained soil and a position with at least six hours of sun daily. With a little pruning, they’ll keep a tidy shape and flower prolifically from spring into autumn.

Selecting the Right Bougainvillea Bush

When choosing a bougainvillea bush, consider the colour and growth habit that suits your garden style. Some of our favourite varieties include:

Each of these varieties can be trained as a bougainvillea bush or maintained as a compact shrub, making them versatile for urban courtyards or larger rural sections.

Growing and Caring for Bougainvillea Bushes

Bougainvillea bushes are surprisingly low-maintenance. Plant yours in a well-drained spot protected from heavy frost, and they’ll reward you with prolific colour. Feed lightly during the growing season and allow the soil to dry between watering to avoid root rot.

Pruning is key to keeping your bougainvillea bush compact and covered in bracts. After the flush of blooms, trim back the branches to shape the plant and encourage fresh growth. With regular care, a bougainvillea bush can become a long-lasting centrepiece in your garden design.

Why Choose Bougainvillea for Your NZ Garden?

A bougainvillea bush is a smart choice for Kiwi gardeners seeking vibrant, low-upkeep colour. The range of available varieties, such as Bougainvillea 'Red Zed', Bougainvillea 'Serenity', Bougainvillea 'Plum Crazy', Bougainvillea 'Beesnees', and Bougainvillea 'Saffron', means there’s a perfect match for every taste. Explore their potential and let your outdoor spaces come alive with the unrivalled charm of a bougainvillea bush.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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