Royal Purple Bougainvillea

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 6-9 feet
Spread: 6-9 feet
Flower Color: purple
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Royal Purple Bougainvillea – A Stunning, Drought-Tolerant Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

The Royal Purple Bougainvillea is a striking and resilient flowering vine, ideal for adding vibrant color to Phoenix Valley landscapes. Known for its showy purple bracts, which resemble colorful blooms, this bougainvillea brings a tropical touch to Arizona's arid climate.

Key Features of Royal Purple Bougainvillea

1. Vibrant Bracts: The purple bracts, ranging from deep violet to lavender, provide an eye-catching display. These modified leaves surround the small, true flowers and offer season-long color, enhancing any garden or outdoor space.
2. Vigorous Growth: With a climbing height of 10 to 20 feet or more, Royal Purple Bougainvillea is perfect for covering walls, fences, arbors, and trellises. Its fast-growing nature makes it a favorite for those looking to create instant impact.
3. Drought-Tolerant & Low Maintenance: Well-suited for xeriscaping, it thrives with minimal water once established, making it an ideal choice for Phoenix's dry climate.

Growing Tips for the Phoenix Valley:

• Sun Exposure: Plant in full sun to encourage abundant bract formation and maintain vibrant color.
• Soil Requirements: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot, as it prefers drier conditions.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; water sparingly to maintain health and reduce maintenance.
• Pruning: Regular pruning will help control size, promote blooming, and maintain shape. Care should be taken when pruning, as bougainvillea can have thorns.

Landscaping Uses:

• Cover for Structures: Perfect for adding color and privacy to walls, fences, and garden arbors.
• Trellis Climbing: Train up trellises or garden arches to create a vibrant, shaded garden area.
• Accent Planting: Use as a dramatic focal point along garden pathways or as a privacy screen with lush, colorful coverage.

The Royal Purple Bougainvillea thrives in Phoenix Valley conditions, bringing intense, tropical-inspired color to gardens. Its vibrant purple bracts, hardy nature, and suitability for low-water landscapes make it an excellent choice for enhancing desert spaces with bold, year-round beauty.

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

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and vibrant blooms)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 4-5 feet apart for optimal growth and proper 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: Royal Purple Bougainvillea requires a trellis, fence, or other support to climb and spread, producing colorful bracts

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 5-6 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Royal Purple Bougainvillea is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

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 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant for deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1-2 emitters per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks