Flame Bougainvillea

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

Flame Bougainvillea: Fiery Color for Sun-Drenched Landscapes

Flame Bougainvillea is a bold, eye-catching variety prized for its striking orange-red bracts that create a fiery display almost year-round in warm climates. This vigorous grower thrives in Arizona’s intense sun and heat, making it an excellent choice for adding vibrant color to walls, fences, arbors, or large containers.

Key Features of Flame Bougainvillea

• Brilliant Bloom Color: Produces intense orange-red bracts surrounding tiny white flowers, with peak displays in spring and fall.
• Heat & Drought Tolerant: Performs exceptionally in hot, dry climates once established.
• Fast-Growing: Quickly covers large spaces when trained on a trellis or wall.
• Versatile Growth: Can be maintained as a vine, trained into a shrub, or grown in large patio containers.

Growing and Care Tips

Flame Bougainvillea delivers the best color and performance with plenty of sun and slightly drier conditions.

Soil: Requires fast-draining soil—sandy or loamy mixes are best. Avoid heavy clay unless amended.
Water: Water deeply during establishment; once mature, water sparingly to encourage blooms.
Fertilizer: Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring and midsummer to promote bracts over foliage.
Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to shape and encourage more blooms.

Landscaping Uses

• Trellises & Fences: Quickly covers vertical structures with bold color.
• Privacy Screens: Works as a dense, vibrant living wall.
• Containers: Ideal for large pots on sunny patios and pool areas.
• Arbors & Pergolas: Provides colorful shade and visual impact.

Summary

Flame Bougainvillea is a tough yet spectacular bloomer perfect for adding bold tropical color to Arizona landscapes. Its fiery bracts, drought tolerance, and flexible growth habit make it a standout choice for sunny spaces.

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

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun is essential for best bloom performance.
Soil: Must be well-draining; amend heavier soils with sand or grit.
Spacing: Space 8–12 feet apart for climbing or hedge growth.
Planting Depth: Plant root crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Provide strong support for climbing, or allow to sprawl as a shrub.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water immediately after planting.
• Frequency: Every 3–4 days for first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Apply 1–2 inches per watering.

When is the Plant Established?

• Established after 3–4 months with consistent deep watering and new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10–14 days; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Winter: Water every 3–4 weeks if no rainfall occurs.

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 mature plants or large vines.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering during extreme summer heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Flame Bougainvillea:

• Soil Check: Allow top 2–3 inches to dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Too much water reduces blooming and increases leaf growth.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of gravel mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds while keeping mulch away from the crown.