Bougainvillea Bambino™ Firefly

Common Name: Firefly Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea Bambino™ ‘Firefly’)

Description:
Firefly Bougainvillea is a charming dwarf bougainvillea famed for its glowing red papery bracts that flare to life in spring and summer. This compact, bushy plant flourishes in full sun and well‑drained soil, thriving in Melbourne’s warm, dry summers. Its evergreen foliage of glossy dark green leaves provides year‑round interest, while its thorny stems offer texture and form. Light pruning after each flowering flush helps maintain its tidy shape and encourages repeat blooms. Firefly is ideal for containers, small hedges, topiary, and smaller gardens where its vibrant presence adds tropical flair.

Form:

• Shrub – Medium

• Climber (can be trained on fences, arches, pergolas)

Mature Size:

• Height: 1–1.5 m

• Width: 1–1.5 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun (tolerates Part Shade, but flowering best in full sun)

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

• Blooms most of the year under warm conditions

Flower Colour:

• Bright red bracts

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Disease Resistant

• Scented flowers (light fragrance)

• Bird Attracting

• Bee Attracting

• Perennial

• Suitable for Hedging

• Suitable for Topiary

• Suitable for Espalier

• Low‑water once established

• Hardy in coastal conditions

• Thorny (can deter unwanted access)

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or pets; however the thorns can cause minor injury.

Companion Plants:

• Agapanthus – creates a lush foliage contrast

• Lavender – echoes Mediterranean styling and dryness tolerance

• Salvia – provides continued summer colour alongside bougainvillea

• Dwarf Grevillea – native contrast and bird‑attracting synergy