Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

red dragon bougainvillea nz

If you’re searching for a spectacular, vibrant climber to transform your garden, the red dragon bougainvillea NZ is a dazzling choice for Kiwi gardeners. Prized for its brilliant red bracts and long flowering season, this bougainvillea variety brings a burst of tropical colour to outdoor spaces throughout New Zealand. Perfect for covering fences, pergolas, or archways, the red dragon bougainvillea is a show-stopper that combines easy care with striking visual impact.

Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara'

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.

Buy Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara'

From $36.38

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

Persicaria Red Dragon

The Persicaria Red Dragon plant, commonly known as Knotweed, is a small shrub grown for its beautiful foliage. It carries elongated leaves that are burgundy red with a bronze centre. The lush foliage is held off sturdy stems which also host sprays of small, white flowers at the tips. It grows as a mound to about 75 cm tall and the same wide. Persicaria microcephala Red Dragon is commonly included in border and mixed plantings, maintained in a container, planted around outdoor living areas and pools, or used to provide dramatic colour to a space.

Buy Persicaria Red Dragon

From $24.23

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 75 cm

Spread: 75 cm

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock

Why Choose Red Dragon Bougainvillea in NZ Gardens?

Red dragon bougainvillea thrives in New Zealand’s mild climates, especially in northern regions where frosts are rare. Known for its hardiness and vigorous growth, this plant quickly blankets walls or garden structures with lush foliage and cascades of crimson blooms throughout spring, summer, and well into autumn. Its drought-tolerant and low-maintenance nature make it ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners. With the right sunny position and well-draining soil, the red dragon bougainvillea NZ will reward you with persistent colour and dense coverage season after season.

How to Grow and Care for Red Dragon Bougainvillea NZ

Plant your red dragon bougainvillea in a sunny, sheltered spot for best results. While it can tolerate light frost once established, it performs best in warmer areas or when potted and moved under shelter during cold snaps. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Trim back after flowering to encourage bushier growth and more prolific blooming. Feeding with a balanced fertiliser twice annually supports healthy foliage and brilliant flowering.

Best Uses for Red Dragon Bougainvillea

Red dragon bougainvillea excels as a climbing feature plant, bringing dramatic flair to trellises, fences, and arches. It also shines as a ground cover on slopes or banks, where it controls erosion and suppresses weeds. For container gardeners, it makes a stunning patio specimen when regularly pruned. If you’re considering lush, colourful alternatives, explore our collection of bougainvilleas including Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara', Bougainvillea 'Tropical Rainbow', Bougainvillea 'Ningili', and Bougainvillea 'Krishna'.

Complementary Plants for Your Bougainvillea

To boost year-round interest in your garden, pair your red dragon bougainvillea with foliage-rich partners like Persicaria Red Dragon. The striking leaves of persicaria provide texture and contrast beneath the vivid red bougainvillea canopy—resulting in a layered, eye-catching landscape, whatever the season.

Ready to Add Red Dragon Bougainvillea to Your NZ Garden?

Whether you’re creating a Mediterranean-inspired oasis or want a fuss-free feature for your landscape, red dragon bougainvillea NZ delivers lasting colour and charm. Browse our collection for the perfect bougainvillea variety or discover more complementary climbers and shrubs to enhance your outdoor space. With a little care, your garden will be ablaze with the unmatched beauty of red dragon bougainvillea all year round.

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.