Bougainvillea Barbara Karst 25 Gallon Bush

Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst' – Vibrant and Hardy Bougainvillea for Stunning Displays

Botanical Name: Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst'
Common Name: Barbara Karst Bougainvillea
Plant Type: Evergreen vine/shrub
Mature Size: 15-30 feet (vine form) or 6-8 feet (bush form)
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
Watering Needs: Low once established (drought-tolerant)
Soil Requirements: Well-draining soil, slightly acidic to neutral
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
Growth Rate: Fast
Flowering Season: Year-round in warm climates, peak blooms in spring and summer

Description

The Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst' is a stunning, vigorous-growing bougainvillea variety prized for its vibrant deep magenta-red bracts, which create a breathtaking display of color. This variety is one of the most popular due to its long blooming season, rapid growth, and exceptional heat tolerance. It thrives in full sun, rewarding gardeners with continuous bursts of color when given the proper care.

Growth Habit & Uses

• Can be trained as a climbing vine, covering trellises, fences, walls, and arbors.
• Can also be pruned into a bushy shrub or used in containers.
• Drought-resistant and excellent for xeriscaping.
• Great for adding a tropical, Mediterranean, or Southwest aesthetic to landscapes.

Care Guide

☀️ Sunlight:
Barbara Karst thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.

💧 Watering:

• Water regularly when young to establish deep roots.
• Once mature, water sparingly—too much water can lead to excessive foliage and fewer flowers.
• Prefers well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

🌿 Pruning & Maintenance:

• Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
• Tolerates heavy pruning, making it easy to train as a hedge, topiary, or vine.
• Use gloves when handling; bougainvillea has thorns.

🌡️ Temperature & Hardiness:

• Hardy in zones 9-11; tolerates high heat and humidity.
• Protect from frost; can be grown in containers and moved indoors during colder months.

🌸 Flowering & Fertilization:

• Blooms heavily in warm seasons with dry spells between waterings.
• Use a phosphorus-rich fertilizer (low nitrogen) for enhanced blooms.

Why Choose Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst'?

✔ One of the most vivid bougainvillea varieties with striking magenta-red flowers.
✔ Low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and heat-tolerant.
✔ Versatile for landscaping—can be grown as a vine, shrub, or container plant.
✔ Attracts pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.