Bougainvillea Bambino™ Miski

Common Name: Firefly Bougainvillea – commonly referred to as Bougainvillea Bambino ‘Miski’

Description:
Bougainvillea Bambino ‘Miski’ is a delightful dwarf bougainvillea that brightens gardens with its evergreen, variegated foliage and vibrant orange-to-peach bracts. Ideal for Melbourne’s mild climate, this compact shrub blooms from spring through summer and often into autumn, especially during warmer periods. It thrives in full sun with well-draining soil and resists drought once established, making it perfect for pots, courtyards, fences, and topiary. Light pruning after each blooming cycle and occasional feeding help encourage repeat flowering and maintain a tidy shape. Though not frost-hardy when young, once established, Miski is tough and rewarding.

Form:

• Shrub – Medium

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

Mature Size:

• Height: around 1 m

• Width: around 1 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun (tolerates Part Shade)

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

• Flowers in Autumn

• Blooms most of the year under warm conditions

Flower Colour:

• Orange, peach pink, fading to purplish pink

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Disease Resistant

• Bird Attracting

• Bee Attracting

• Perennial

• Suitable for Hedging

• Suitable for Topiary

• Suitable for Espalier

• Drought Tolerant once established

• Coastal Hardy

• Thorny (but less aggressive than larger bougainvilleas)

• Evergreen

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or pets; thorns may cause minor skin irritation.

Companion Plants:

• Lavender – enhances Mediterranean appeal

• Salvia – complements bright bracts with long summer blooms

• Agapanthus – contrasts foliage and adds soft flower tones

• Dwarf Grevillea – extends bird and bee attraction benefits