Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice'

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 2-3 feet
Spread: 5-6 feet
Flower Color: pink
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice' - A Colorful, Drought-Tolerant Choice for Arizona Gardens

The Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice' is a vibrant flowering vine that brings a tropical touch to Arizona landscapes, thriving in the hot, arid climate of the Phoenix Valley. Known for its stunning raspberry-pink and cream-colored bracts, this bougainvillea adds an eye-catching display to gardens, fences, and outdoor spaces, making it a top pick for desert-friendly, low-water landscaping.

Key Features of Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice'

1. Dramatic Raspberry and Cream Bracts: 'Raspberry Ice' is celebrated for its bold raspberry-pink and creamy-white bracts, creating a striking visual display that lasts throughout the growing season.
2. Vigorous Climbing Growth: This bougainvillea can reach 10-20 feet or more, making it ideal for covering walls, fences, arbors, and trellises in Phoenix landscapes.
3. Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Raspberry Ice' needs minimal watering, making it perfect for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.

Care Tips for Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice' in Phoenix

• Sunlight: Thrives best in full sun to maintain its vibrant colors and promote consistent blooming.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining soil to support root health and prevent water retention issues.
• Watering Needs: Requires minimal water once established, making it a sustainable choice for desert gardens.
• Pruning: Prune regularly to shape, manage growth, and encourage more prolific blooms. Handle with care, as bougainvillea vines have thorns.

Landscaping Uses

• Vertical Accent: Great for adding a splash of color to walls, fences, or arbors, making it an attractive vertical garden feature.
• Container Planting: Works beautifully as a container plant, perfect for patios, balconies, and smaller garden spaces.
• Low-Water Landscapes: An ideal addition to xeriscapes and native plant gardens, enhancing water conservation while adding vibrant color.

The Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice' is a versatile and hardy plant for Phoenix Valley gardens, delivering tropical elegance and easy care. Its raspberry-pink and cream bracts and climbing growth make it a valuable choice for Arizona gardens, bringing year-round color and beauty to the desert environment.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice'

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for their mature size and optimal air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice' is a vining plant and requires a trellis, fence, or other support to grow upright. It can also be trained into a bushy form or along structures.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots, but make sure the water drains well to avoid rot

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice' is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice' is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry winter periods.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure that water reaches the root zone and encourages deep root growth.
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering. This ensures that water penetrates deeply into the soil and supports healthy root development.
• Number of Emitters: Place 2 emitters around the base of the plant to ensure even water distribution. Adjust the number of emitters as the plant matures.
• Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice' to ensure that the plant receives adequate watering while preventing overwatering.
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, you may need to increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days to ensure hydration, especially during extreme heat. In winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks or adjust based on rainfall.

General Watering Tips:

• Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice' prefers slightly dry conditions once established. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well and avoid standing water around the base.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Avoid placing mulch directly against the plant’s stem to prevent rot.