Bougainvillea glabra Tango

Common Name: Bougainvillea ‘Tango’ (Bougainvillea glabra ‘Tango’)

Description:
Bougainvillea ‘Tango’ is an eye-catching, compact climber known for its vibrant copper-orange bracts that gradually soften to a warm pink, offering a dance of colour over an extended season. In Melbourne’s climate, ‘Tango’ thrives in full sun and free-draining soil, performing beautifully in containers, trellises, pergolas, and garden beds. This low-maintenance variety is drought-tolerant once established and benefits from light pruning after each flush to promote fresh growth and further blooms. Its vigorous but manageable nature and brilliant hues make it a standout in courtyard and patio gardens.

Form:

• Climber

• Shrub – Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 3–6 m (when trained)

• Width: 3 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade (less flowering)

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

• Flowers in Autumn

• Blooms for most of the warm season

Flower Colour:

• Copper‑orange, fading to pink bracts

• Small creamy-white true flowers

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots & Containers

• Disease Resistant / Low‑maintenance

• Bird Attracting

• Bee Attracting

• Perennial

• Evergreen in warm conditions

• Suitable for Hedging, Screening, Espalier

• Drought Tolerant once established

• Coastal Hardy

• Thorny (provides natural security)

Toxicity:

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

Companion Plants:

• Lavender – adds silvery foliage and aromatic contrast

• Salvia – complements and prolongs seasonal nectar supply

• Agapanthus – enhances texture with strap-like leaves

• Dwarf Grevillea – supports local wildlife and offers native texture