Bougainvillea glabra Scarlet O Hara

Common Name: Scarlet O’Hara Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra ‘Scarlet O’Hara’)

Description:
Scarlet O’Hara is a vigorous evergreen climber celebrated for its glowing scarlet-red papery bracts that lavish walls, pergolas, and garden structures in vibrant colour. Originating from South America, this cultivar thrives in warm, sunny positions with well-drained soil. In Melbourne’s climate it blooms profusely from spring through autumn and often remains evergreen year-round. Its sturdy thorny stems allow it to climb effectively or sprawl over surfaces if left untrained. This plant prefers neglect once established, tolerating drought, coastal exposure, and even light frost down to around −5 °C. Minimal pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages abundant new blooms.

Form:

• Climber

• Shrub – Large

• Ground Cover (if allowed to sprawl)

Mature Size:

• Height: 4–5 m (up to 6 m with support)

• Width: 4–5 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

• Flowers in Autumn

• Continuous blooms in warm seasons

Flower Colour:

• Intense scarlet‑red bracts

• Small creamy-white true flowers

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots & Containers (with training)

• Disease Resistant

• Bird Attracting

• Bee Attracting

• Evergreen (semi-deciduous in cooler climates)

• Perennial

• Suitable for Hedging

• Suitable for Screening

• Suitable for Espalier

• Suitable for Topiary

• Drought Tolerant once established

• Coastal Hardy

• Thorny (useful for security planting)

Toxicity:

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

Companion Plants:

• Lavender – adds silvery texture and Mediterranean contrast

• Salvia – extends colour season and attracts pollinators

• Agapanthus – provides structural foliage contrast

• Dwarf Grevillea – complements native texture and bird attraction