Bougainvillea: A Full Sun Rockery Favourite (Types, Uses and Propagation)
- Devon Long
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Bougainvillea is a show-stopping plant that brings a burst of color to gardens across New South Wales. For me, bougainvillea holds a special place in my garden. I have several rockeries that are relentlessly full sun, where it’s a real challenge to get anything besides succulents to thrive. But bougainvillea can take the heat! It’s perfectly happy in sandy soil as long as it drains well, making it a lifesaver for these tricky spots. Plus, it provides a beautiful textural and color contrast to the other plants in my full-sun rockeries, creating a vibrant and lush feel in an otherwise tough environment.
In this post, we’ll dive into the types of bougainvillea that thrive in NSW, their typical uses, and a step-by-step guide on how to propagate them.
Types of Bougainvillea That Thrive in NSW
Bougainvillea is well-suited to NSW’s warm climate, especially in coastal and inland areas. Here are some popular varieties to consider for your garden:
Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst’: Known for its deep magenta bracts, this variety is a fast grower, well suited to pretty much any outdoor use.
This is the variety that I have in my garden.
Bougainvillea ‘San Diego Red’: A classic choice with bright red bracts, ideal for covering walls or fences.
Bougainvillea ‘Golden Glow’: A unique variety with soft golden-yellow hues, perfect for adding warmth and contrast.
Bougainvillea ‘Singapore Pink’: A more compact variety with delicate pink bracts, great for smaller spaces or pots.
These varieties thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them perfect for NSW’s sunny gardens. While they are drought-tolerant, they’ll reward you with more vibrant blooms if watered moderately during dry spells.
Typical Uses for Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways to enhance your garden. While there are thornless options available, for the varieties outlined here, it’s important to carefully consider where you plant them. Avoid placing bougainvillea in thoroughfares or areas you pass through daily to prevent the risk of getting pricked.
Here are some ways to make the most of this stunning plant:
Climbing Walls and Fences: These vigorous climbers are perfect for covering unsightly walls or adding privacy to your space.
Hedges and Borders: With regular pruning, bougainvillea can be shaped into colorful hedges or borders.
Potted Displays: Compact varieties grow beautifully in pots, making them a great option for patios or balconies.
Pergolas and Arbors: Train bougainvillea to climb over structures for a stunning, shaded retreat.
How to Propagate Bougainvillea
If you’re looking to expand your bougainvillea collection or share it with friends, propagation is a simple and rewarding process. Keep in mind the best time to propagate Bougainvillea here in Australia is late spring/early summer. Here’s how to do it:
Choose the Right Cutting:
Avoid using the top cutting. The top 2-5 cm of the stem contains the new growth tip. Removing this tip halts upward growth and encourages the plant to redirect its energy down the stem to the nodes, which will go into rooting mode.
Select a healthy stem that is semi-hardwood (not too green, not too woody) and at least 15-20 cm long. Ensure the cutting has at least three nodes.
Cut the stem directly below a node at the bottom, as this is where roots are most likely to form.
Prepare the Cutting:
Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to reduce moisture loss.
Notch the bottom of the cutting with pruning shears on each side between the nodes. This helps stimulate root growth by creating additional rooting points.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to promote faster and stronger root development.
Plant the Cutting:
Fill a small pot with a layered mix. Use perlite for the bottom third of the pot to improve drainage and aeration, and fill the top two-thirds with a well-draining potting mix.
Insert the cutting into the soil, ensuring at least two nodes are buried.
Provide the Right Conditions:
Bougainvillea cuttings thrive in a humid environment with bright but indirect light. For my setup, I use either my outdoor greenhouse or my laundry room, as both provide the ideal conditions for propagation. You can use any warm, sheltered spot with similar conditions.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage healthy root growth.
Wait for Roots:
In about 6-8 weeks, you should see new growth, indicating that roots have developed. Once established, you can transplant the bougainvillea to its permanent spot in your garden.
Final Thoughts
Bougainvillea is a stunning addition to any garden, offering vibrant color and versatility. By choosing the right variety, making the most of its uses, and propagating your own plants, you can enjoy this tropical beauty year-round.
Have you tried growing bougainvillea in your garden? Let us know your tips and experiences in the comments below!
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