Bougainvillea Colors: The Vibrant Rainbow Palette of this Classic Vine

With its cascading vines and abundant colorful bracts, bougainvillea is one of the most popular tropical plants But beyond the common pink and purple varieties, bougainvillea actually comes in a diverse range of colors From fiery reds to sunny yellows, this classic vine offers gardeners a true rainbow of choices.

In this article, we’ll explore the full spectrum of bougainvillea colors and highlight some standout varieties for each hue Read on to learn about the many vibrant bougainvillea colors that let you customize your perfect flowering vine.

Overview of Bougainvillea Color Range

While bougainvillea is often associated with purple and magenta blooms, modern hybrids have expanded the color palette dramatically. Here is an overview of the colors bougainvillea now comes in:

• Reds – Vivid crimson to bold ruby red shades

• Pinks – Soft pastel to rich hot pinks

• Purples – Lavender, magenta, violet, deep royal purple

• Oranges – Vibrant tangerine to coral and salmon orange

• Yellows – Pale lemon and cream to bold golden hues

• Whites – Pure clean white blooms

• Bicolors – Combinations like red-orange and purple-pink

This spectrum provides gorgeous options for any garden color scheme or design need. The color diversity arises from selective breeding of natural sport mutations in the original Brazilian species. Let’s look closer at some top varieties for each brilliant bougainvillea color.

Standout Red Bougainvillea Varieties

Red bougainvilleas make a bold, beautiful statement in gardens. Some top varieties to consider:

• Barbara Karst – This vigorous grower has rich ruby red bracts surrounding tiny cream blooms.

• California Red – Produces bright crimson red bracts that deeply contrast dark green leaves.

• Juanita Hatten – Dense clusters of cherry red bracts bloom repeatedly on this variety.

• Mrs. Butt – Dark scarlet red bracts on a fast growing, sun-loving vine.

• Royal Purple – Deep burgundy foliage sets off the bright red bracts nicely.

Red bougainvilleas bring drama, sophistication, and curb appeal to landscapes and containers.

Lovely Pink Bougainvillea Varieties

For a softer look, pink bougainvilleas exude delicate charm:

• Double Pink – Prolific bloomer with ruffly, peachy-pink bracts surrounding tiny white blooms.

• Elsie Watson – Cool lavender-pink bracts bloom abundantly on this compact variety.

• Roseville Pink – Clear rose-pink bracts shine against deep green leaves on vigorous, bold vines.

• Temple Fire – Bright bubblegum pink bracts make a vivid statement on this eye-catching vine.

• Torch Glow – Brilliant hot pink bracts bloom heavily on large vines ideal for big spaces.

Pink bougainvilleas range from soft to neon bright, lending feminine grace to gardens.

Stunning Purple Bougainvillea Varieties

Deep purple blooms evoke an air of drama and mystique. Notable purple varieties include:

• Purple Haze – Prolific bloomer with bold reddish-purple bracts surrounding creamy white blooms.

• Royal Purple – Deep purple-burgundy foliage sets off bright purple bracts on this vigorous vine.

• San Diego Red – Technically a red-purple, with magenta-red bracts that fade to reddish-purple in cool weather.

• Singapore Pink – Despite the name, this variety bears abundant rich purple bracts all season long.

• Violet – True violet bracts bloom heavily on a compact plant perfect for smaller spaces.

Purple bougainvilleas lend rich, regal color effects to gardens and walls.

Vibrant Orange Bougainvillea Varieties

Orange bougainvilleas shine with warm, solar colors. Top choices include:

• California Gold – Bright tangerine-orange bracts provide gorgeous color contrast on this vine.

• Flame – Brilliant orange-red bracts surround tiny cream blooms on vigorous spreading vines.

• Orange King – Extra large burnt-orange bracts make a bold statement over a long bloom season.

• Orange Blossom Special – Prolific bloomer with vibrant reddish-orange bracts surrounding pale cream blooms.

• Sundown – Dark orange bracts shine like a tropical sunset. Compact variety perfect for pots.

Orange bougainvilleas bring solar excitement and visual warmth to gardens and patios.

Sunny Yellow Bougainvillea Varieties

Yellow is the rarest bougainvillea color but provides a cheerful, sunny look. Notable yellow varieties:

• Golden Glow – Abundant bright golden yellow bracts bloom continually on this eye-catching vine.

• Jamaica White – Creamy lemon-yellow bracts offer a lighter take on yellow.

• Mary Palmer – Buttery soft yellow bracts provide a nice contrast with deep green leaves.

• Mrs. Eva – Brilliant golden blooms make this a perfect yellow bougainvillea for bold color impact.

• Singchai – Prized for its prolific clusters of sunny lemon-yellow bracts all season long.

Add a ray of sunshine with yellow bougainvilleas, a rare and special color.

Bicolor Bougainvillea Varieties

Some of the most unique bougainvilleas feature bicolor blooms, combining two hues:

• Duet – Each bloom displays both purple and orange bracts for an eye-catching combo.

• Floriflora Pink – Blends white and pink variegated bracts on the same flower cluster.

• Raspberry Ice – Combines bright red and soft pink bracts for a two-tone effect.

• San Diego Red – Bears both magenta and purple bracts as the color shifts with weather changes.

Bicolor bougainvilleas provide extra visual interest and depth through their color contrasts.

Discover the Brilliant Spectrum of Bougainvillea

While long loved for its purple flowers, bougainvillea actually offers gardeners a full palette of color possibilities. Take your pick from the rainbow selection of reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, whites, and bicolors. With so many vibrant hues, it’s easy to find the perfect bougainvillea colors to bring your landscape vision to life.