Purple Bougainvillea | Fast-Growing Evergreen Flowering Vine

Purple Bougainvillea

5 Gallon

$79.90

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Purple Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea brasiliensis

A vigorous tropical vine with spectacular sheets of vibrant magenta-purple bracts.

$79.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Purple Bougainvillea is the quintessential, flamboyant tropical vine celebrated for its profuse, papery bracts in a stunning, vibrant magenta-purple that envelop the plant in sheets of color . The true flowers are small and white, nestled within three showy, long-lasting purple bracts that provide the spectacular display . This vigorous, woody, evergreen climber features heart-shaped to oval, medium-green leaves and is armed with long, sharp thorns along its branches . Thriving on heat and requiring little water, it is a tough, fast-growing powerhouse for creating dramatic, high-impact color on walls, fences, and arbors in frost-free climates .

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Heart-shaped to oval, medium green leaves; profuse clusters of three papery, vibrant magenta-purple bracts surrounding small, inconspicuous white tubular flowers .
Mature Height: 15-30 ft (climbing) .
Mature Spread: 15-30 ft (or more, depending on support) .
Growth Rate: Fast .
Hardiness Zones: USDA 10-11 ; Sunset 12-17, 19-24, H1, H2 .
Light Requirement: Full sun (essential for best blooming) .
Core Benefits: Spectacular vibrant purple color, exceptionally long bloom season, heat and drought tolerant, fast-growing, salt tolerant, deer resistant .
Best Uses: Walls, fences, arbors, pergolas, large containers, specimen plant, hedging, espalier, coastal gardens, tropical landscapes .

Q: How much sun does a Purple Bougainvillea need to bloom well?
A: Full, direct sun is absolutely essential for prolific blooming. It requires a minimum of 5-6 hours of direct sun daily, and more is always better . Too much shade results in lush green growth at the expense of flowers .

Q: How often should I water it?
A: Less is more. Bougainvillea flowers best when kept on the dry side. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings . Overwatering leads to lush foliage, root rot, and few or no flowers .

Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: No, it is a tropical plant hardy only in USDA zones 10-11 . It is damaged by temperatures below 30°F (-1°C) and killed by hard frost. In colder zones, it must be grown in a container and moved indoors to a very bright, cool location for winter .

Q: How should I prune it?
A: Prune immediately after a major bloom cycle to shape and control size. It blooms on new wood, so pruning encourages branching and more flowers. Wear thick gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself from the sharp thorns . Avoid heavy pruning in fall, as this removes wood that would bloom the following spring .

Q: Are the "flowers" actually petals?
A: The showy purple parts are not petals but specialized leaves called bracts. The true flowers are the small, trumpet-shaped, creamy-white structures nestled in the center of each cluster of three bracts . The bracts are long-lasting and provide the plant's vibrant color display .