Bougainvillea

Best Bougainvillea Plants In New Zealand

When it comes to adding vibrant colors and a touch of tropical flair to your garden, few plants compare to the bougainvillea. Known for their brilliant blooms and hearty nature, Bougainvilleas are a popular choice among gardeners in New Zealand. Whether you're a seasoned horticulturist or a novice gardener, understanding the best varieties of bougainvillea plants available in New Zealand can help you make an informed choice for your landscape.

Understanding Bougainvillea

What is Bougainvillea?

Bougainvillea is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees native to South America. The plant is renowned for its vibrant and papery bracts, which are often mistaken for flowers. These bracts come in a variety of colors including pink, magenta, purple, red, orange, white, and yellow, adding a stunning display to gardens and landscapes.

Climate Suitability

Bougainvilleas thrive in warm climates, making them well-suited to many parts of New Zealand, particularly in areas that experience mild winters. While these plants are drought-tolerant once established, they flourish with regular watering and full sunlight exposure.

Popular Bougainvillea Varieties in New Zealand

When selecting a bougainvillea for your garden, consider the growth habit, colour, and maintenance requirements of each variety. Here are some of the most popular bougainvillea varieties you can find in New Zealand:

Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara'

If you're looking for a bougainvillea with striking red bracts, 'Scarlet O'Hara' might be the perfect choice. This variety offers a dazzling display of red and is ideal for those wanting to add a bold splash of colour to their garden.

Bougainvillea Majik

Bougainvillea 'Majik' is a compact, vibrant variety, perfect for small gardens or containers. It boasts stunning pink and white bracts that bloom profusely throughout the warmer months. With a bushy growth habit, it can reach up to 1.5 meters tall.

Bougainvillea Magnifica Traillii

Bougainvillea Magnifica Traillii is a vibrant deciduous climber. It boasts masses of deep purple flowers, creating a stunning display. In cooler climates, it blooms in summer, while warmer regions enjoy year-round flowering. Its lush green foliage turns yellow in autumn before shedding.

Growing and Caring for Bougainvillea

Planting Tips

• Choose a sunny spot in your garden, as Bougainvilleas require at least 5-6 hours of sunlight per day.
• Ensure the soil is well-draining. Bougainvilleas do not tolerate waterlogged roots.
• When planting bougainvillea, handle the roots with care, as they are quite delicate. Plant them at the same depth as they were in the pot to avoid root damage.

Watering and Feeding

• Water young plants regularly to establish roots. Once established, reduce watering frequency. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Feeding: Use shrub fertiliser during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Regular pruning helps maintain the desired shape and encourages more blooms. Prune immediately after the flowering cycle for best results.
• Bougainvilleas are relatively pest-resistant but watch out for aphids and caterpillars, and use appropriate pest control methods when necessary.

Where To Buy Bougainvillea in New Zealand

Bougainvilleas are widely available from The Plant Company. We specialise in producing amazing plants and shipping them to you fast. Check out our range!

When Should I Buy Bougainvillea?

The best time to buy bougainvillea is during the spring or early summer. This is when the plants are actively growing and blooming, so you can be sure that you are getting a healthy plant that may even be flowering.