- Mature height
- 3m to 6m
- Mature width
- 2m to 5m
Bougainvillea 'Mrs H.C. Buck' is a vigorous evergreen climber carrying heavy flushes of clear pink bracts. Long thorny canes spread widely and need a fence, wire or pergola to hold them. Leaves are broad and mid-green, and the small cream true flowers sit in threes at the centre of each bract cluster.
Plant it in full sun with free-draining soil. Water regularly for the first summer, then cut back, because too much water and feeding gives leaves instead of bracts. Frost damages it, so keep it to frost-free coastal and northern gardens. Growth is fast at one to two metres of cane a year, and it takes salt wind well.
It is used to clothe long boundary fences, screen a neighbouring outlook, cover a carport roof or fill a pergola over an outdoor room. Coastal properties suit it particularly well. Given a structure and full sun, it will cover ground quickly and hold pink colour across the warm half of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Mrs H.C. Buck Bougainvillea
What is Bougainvillea 'Mrs H.C. Buck'?
It is a vigorous evergreen bougainvillea cultivar with heavy flushes of clear pink bracts over broad mid-green leaves. The canes are long and thorny and spread widely, so it is used as a climber on fences, pergolas and walls rather than as a freestanding shrub. Small cream true flowers sit inside each bract cluster.
How big does it grow?
On a suitable structure it will reach 5 to 8 metres with a spread of 3 to 5 metres. Regular pruning can hold it at 2 to 3 metres where a smaller plant is wanted. Because the canes extend one to two metres a year, the finished size is set by how often you cut it.
Does it need sun or shade?
Full sun. Six hours of direct sunlight a day is the minimum and more gives better colour. Planted against a sunny wall it benefits from reflected heat. In part shade you will get vigorous green growth and very few bracts, which is the usual complaint from gardeners who have sited one badly.
How far apart should I plant it to cover a fence?
For a continuous run along a fence or wall, space plants about 2 to 3 metres apart and train the canes horizontally as they extend. Horizontal training encourages flowering along the whole length rather than just at the tips. A single plant will eventually cover 3 to 5 metres on its own if you are patient.
Is it suitable for coastal positions?
Yes. It takes salt-laden wind well and is a common sight on fences and pergolas in coastal towns along the Queensland and New South Wales coast. Give it free-draining soil and full sun. The one thing to avoid is a cold, exposed southern aspect, where growth is slow and flowering disappointing.
Does it have thorns?
Yes, sharp curved thorns along the canes, which is worth knowing before planting one beside a path, a play area or a driveway where people brush past. Wear thick gloves and long sleeves when pruning or tying in. On the other hand, those thorns make it an effective deterrent along a boundary fence.
How do I care for Mrs H.C. Buck Bougainvillea?
Water through the first summer to establish, then only in extended dry weather. Prune after each flush, cutting spent canes back to a permanent framework and tying in replacements. Feed lightly in early spring with a low-nitrogen or bougainvillea-specific fertiliser. Keep the root zone on the lean and dry side for the best bract display.
