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thornless bougainvillea

Thornless bougainvillea is the answer for gardeners who adore the vibrant colours and long-lasting blooms of bougainvillea but want to avoid the hassles of thorns. Whether you're creating a lush hedge, a striking garden feature, or a container plant for your patio, thornless bougainvillea provides all the beauty you love without the prickly inconvenience. In New Zealand gardens, these easy-care climbers bring brilliant splashes of purple, magenta, pink, and red, thriving in the country’s sunny spots. Thornless varieties are especially popular with families, schools, and community spaces, where safety and accessibility are important.

Bougainvillea ningili plant with pink flowers.

Bougainvillea 'Ningili'

Bougainvillea 'Ningili' is a dwarf variety of Bougainvillea that grows compactly with few thorns, yet produces impressive flowers. Through summer it bears masses of impressive, pink flowers which are perfectly complemented with lush, green foliage. This evergreen typically grows to 1.5-2 m tall with a support structure.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Bougainvillea 'Krishna' light purple flower.

Bougainvillea 'Krishna'

4.7 from 3 customers

Bougainvillea 'Krishna' is a dwarf variety that grows compactly with few thorns, yet produces impressive flowers. Throughout the summer, it bears impressive, light purple flowers, and these are complemented by lush, green foliage. This evergreen typically grows to 1.5 m tall with a support structure.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Arches, Containers, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Bougainvillea 'Magnifica Traillii' climber with purple flowers and lush, green foliage.
Bougainvillea 'Magnifica Traillii'

Bougainvillea 'Magnifica Traillii', commonly known as Paper Flower, is a deciduous climber that produces masses of showy, deep purple flowers. In...

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Bougainvillea 'Hawaiian Orange' flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Hawaiian Orange'

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 'Hawaiian Gold' yellow-orange flowers against dark green foliage.
Bougainvillea 'Hawaiian Gold'

Bougainvillea ‘Hawaiian Gold’ is a striking and hardy climber that bursts into brilliant golden-yellow bracts throughout the warmer months. This...

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Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' purple-pink flowers and variegated foliage.
Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

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

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chaenomeles-double-take-orange-
Chaenomeles Double Take Orange (Flowering Quince)

Chaenomeles Double Take Orange is a flowering Quince that features masses of orange flowers from late winter. At this time the shrub is an arching...

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'Bearss' Lime green fruit.
Lime Bearss

The 'Bearss' Lime, also known as Persian or Tahitian lime, is a vigorous, nearly thornless citrus tree that thrives in New Zealand’s warmer regions...

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Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' growing on a pergola and featuring masses of stunning yellow flowers.
Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose)

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Yellow Banksia Rose) is a stunning climbing rose admired for its masses of soft yellow double flowers produced in spring. This...

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Blackberry 'Thornless Jewel' black and red fruit.
Blackberry 'Thornless Jewel'

Blackberry 'Thornless Jewel' is a high quality thornless blackberry valued for its large sweet berries and easy care growth habit. This productive...

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Bougainvillea Marlu plant with masses of light purple flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Marlu'

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

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Bougainvillea bambino 'Siggi' plant with masses of yellow flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Siggi'

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

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea Nonya plant with pink flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Nonya'

Bougainvillea 'Nonya' is a dwarf variety of Bougainvillea that grows compactly with few thorns, yet produces impressive flowers. Throughout the...

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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...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Panda' plant with white flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Panda'

Bougainvillea 'Panda' 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...

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A Bougainvillea 'Bambino Majik' plant with soft-pink flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Majik'

Bougainvillea 'Majik' grows compactly with few thorns, yet produces impressive flowers. Through summer it bears impressive, white and pink flowers...

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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 '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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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Bougainvillea 'Tango' orange-pink flowers along with green foliage.
Bougainvillea 'Tango'

Bougainvillea ‘Tango’ is a bold and vibrant climbing plant that produces an abundance of striking orange-red bracts through the warmer months. This...

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...

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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...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Pink Patch' pink flowers and variegated foliage.
Bougainvillea 'Pink Patch'

Bougainvillea ‘Pink Patch’ is a vibrant and compact variety that produces masses of bright pink bracts, creating a dazzling tropical display. Perfect...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

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 'Ningili'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Bougainvillea, Chaenomeles, and Lime, or related Categories - Lime Trees, Deciduous Climbers, and Evergreen Climbers.

Search thornless bougainvillea

What Is Thornless Bougainvillea?

Thornless bougainvillea refers to selected cultivars bred for minimal or completely absent thorns, making them much safer for high-traffic areas or where children play. These special varieties generally display the same bold bracts and vigorous climbing habit as their prickly cousins, but with softer, more user-friendly stems. Thornless bougainvillea is perfect for training along fences, archways, or pergolas—allowing you to prune and shape with confidence.

Best Thornless Bougainvillea Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Some selections of thornless bougainvillea excel in New Zealand’s climate. If you’re seeking a thornless or low-thorn variety, consider:

How to Grow Thornless Bougainvillea

Like all bougainvilleas, thornless bougainvillea loves a sunny, frost-free position and well-draining soil. Provide good air circulation, water regularly during establishment, then reduce watering to encourage prolific flowering. A light trim after flowering helps maintain shape and supports vigorous re-blooming. For climbing varieties, train new growth onto supports early for the best effect.

Where to Use Thornless Bougainvillea

Thornless bougainvillea is incredibly versatile. Use it to create colourful hedges along pathways, cover fences with eye-catching blooms, or add vibrant interest to patios and balconies in containers. These varieties are valued for bringing the tropics to urban and family-friendly spaces—without the worry of thorns.

Choose Thornless Bougainvillea for Safe, Stunning Colour

If you’re ready to enjoy the dazzling display of bougainvillea without the sharp surprises, explore celebrated thornless and low-thorn cultivars such as Bougainvillea 'Marlu', Bougainvillea 'Siggi', Bougainvillea 'Ningili', Bougainvillea 'Nonya', and Bougainvillea 'Little Guy'. These selections will help you build a breathtaking garden, safe for all to enjoy.


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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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