Bougainvillea ‘New River Purple’

The Bougainvillea ‘New River Purple’ is a stunning variety renowned for its deep, vibrant purple bracts that add a bold splash of color to any garden or landscape. It’s a hardy and versatile plant that thrives in warm, sunny environments and can be trained to grow as a vine, shrub, or ground cover.

Features

• Bracts and Flowers: The eye-catching purple bracts surround small, creamy-white flowers at their center, creating a striking contrast.
• Growth Habit: Vigorous and fast-growing, it can reach impressive heights when trained on trellises, walls, or arbors. It also works well as a cascading plant for hanging baskets.
• Foliage: Lush green leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the vivid purple bracts.
• Size: Mature plants can grow 15-30 feet as a vine, but size is manageable with regular pruning.

Care Requirements

• Light: Requires full sun (6-8 hours daily) to thrive and produce abundant blooms.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It tolerates sandy or loamy soils.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot.
• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage vibrant blooms. Reduce feeding during the dormant winter months.
• Pruning: Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages new growth. Remove dead or weak stems to promote overall health.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm climates (USDA zones 9-11) and is frost-sensitive. In cooler climates, grow in containers to bring indoors during winter.

Uses

• Landscaping: Ideal for adding dramatic color to fences, walls, and pergolas.
• Containers: Great for patios or balconies when planted in pots.
• Erosion Control: Can be used as a ground cover on slopes to prevent erosion.

Tips for Success

• Avoid planting in overly rich soils, as this can encourage leaf growth at the expense of blooms.
• Ensure plenty of sunlight for the best display of flowers.
• Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Bougainvillea ‘New River Purple’ is a showstopper that rewards minimal care with lush, long-lasting blooms, making it a favorite for gardeners and landscapers alike.