Alexandra Bougainvillea

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 10–20 feet (with support)
Spread: 8–12 feet
Flower Color: magenta-purple (bracts)
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Alexandra Bougainvillea: Vivid Magenta Blooms for Year-Round Color

Alexandra Bougainvillea is a show-stopping variety known for its intense magenta-purple bracts that surround small white flowers. This vigorous, heat-loving plant thrives in Arizona’s sunny climate, making it a favorite for covering walls, fences, arbors, and trellises—or for training as a vibrant, cascading shrub.

Key Features of Alexandra Bougainvillea

• Intense Color: Produces rich magenta bracts nearly year-round in warm climates, with peak displays in spring and fall.
• Vigorous Growth: Quickly covers large areas when given support, creating dramatic vertical color.
• Heat & Drought Tolerant: Once established, it thrives in high heat with minimal water.
• Versatile Form: Can be trained as a vine, pruned into a free-standing shrub, or grown in large containers.

Growing and Care Tips

Alexandra Bougainvillea is ideal for those who want a low-maintenance yet high-impact plant for hot, sunny areas.

Soil: Requires very well-draining soil; thrives in sandy or loamy conditions. Avoid waterlogged locations.
Water: Water regularly during establishment; afterward, allow soil to dry between waterings for best blooming.
Fertilizer: Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring and midsummer to promote blooms over leaf growth.
Pruning: Prune lightly after bloom cycles to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Landscaping Uses

• Covering Structures: Excellent for arbors, pergolas, fences, and trellises.
• Colorful Screening: Works as a vibrant privacy wall when trained along a fence.
• Containers & Hanging Baskets: Perfect for spilling over the edges with cascading blooms.
• Accent Planting: Adds a bold splash of color to courtyards, patios, and poolside landscapes.

Summary

Alexandra Bougainvillea is a vibrant, low-maintenance performer that thrives in the sun and heat. With its nearly year-round blooms, drought tolerance, and adaptability to various forms, it’s a must-have for adding instant color to Arizona landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Alexandra Bougainvillea

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun is essential for maximum blooming.
Soil: Must be well-draining; amend heavier soils with sand or grit.
Spacing: Space 8–12 feet apart for climbing or hedge use.
Planting Depth: Plant root crown level with soil surface.
Support: Provide sturdy support for climbing; can also be grown unsupported as a shrub.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water deeply to settle roots.
• Frequency: Water every 3–4 days for first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: 1–2 inches of water per session.

When is the Plant Established?

• Typically established after 3–4 months of consistent watering and visible new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 10–14 days; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Winter: Water every 3–4 weeks if rainfall is absent.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Place 1–2 emitters 12–18 inches from the base.
Flow Rate: 1-gallon-per-hour emitters recommended.
Number of Emitters: Use 2 for larger plants or trained vines.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering during extreme summer heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Alexandra Bougainvillea:

• Soil Check: Let the top 2–3 inches dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Excess water encourages leaf growth at the expense of blooms.
• Mulch: Use gravel mulch to reduce evaporation but keep mulch away from the crown.