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Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea

About Your New Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara' is a strong-growing evergreen climber with bright scarlet-red bracts held in large clusters. It is one of the more vigorous cultivars, throwing long thorny canes that will reach the top of a pergola quickly. Leaves are mid-green, and the plant flowers in heavy, distinct flushes rather than continuously.

It demands full sun and sharp drainage, and rewards a lean, dry regime once established with far better bract colour. Frost sensitive by nature, it is at home in Darwin, Brisbane, coastal New South Wales, Perth and sheltered Sydney gardens. Expect one to two metres of new cane a year, and plan pruning accordingly.

It suits large pergolas, high fences, carport structures and any long run of wall that needs covering. Given a big pot and regular trimming it can also be held as a standard or a courtyard shrub. Where scale and speed matter, few climbers put up as much colour in as short a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea

What is Bougainvillea 'Scarlet O'Hara'?

'Scarlet O'Hara' is one of the most vigorous bougainvillea cultivars, grown for large clusters of bright scarlet-red bracts. It is evergreen in warm climates, heavily thorned, and throws long canes that will reach the top of a pergola in a couple of seasons. It flowers in distinct heavy flushes rather than continuously.

How big does Scarlet O'Hara grow?

It is a large plant. On a substantial structure it will climb 6 to 8 metres with a spread of 4 to 5 metres. Pruned two or three times a year it can be held at 2 to 3 metres, and in a big container it stays smaller again. Match the support to the intended size before planting.

Does it need sun or shade?

Full sun without qualification. It needs at least six hours of direct sun daily, and more will improve both the density of the bracts and the depth of the red. In shaded positions it grows strongly but flowers poorly, producing long leafy canes with very little colour at the ends.

Is it frost tolerant?

No. Frost damages the soft growth and repeated frosts can kill young plants outright. Keep it to frost-free gardens, or plant it against a warm north-facing wall where the microclimate is a few degrees kinder. In cold districts, growing it in a container and moving it under cover for winter is the practical answer.

Where does it grow best in Australia?

Tropical and subtropical Australia suits it best: Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane and the northern New South Wales coast. It also performs well in Perth and in sheltered warm-temperate Sydney gardens. Cool tablelands, Tasmania and inland frost-prone districts are outside its comfortable range unless it is grown under cover.

Can it grow in a large pot?

Yes, and pot culture is a useful way to restrain its vigour. Use a container of at least 60 centimetres with a coarse free-draining mix, site it in full sun, and prune after every flush to keep it in proportion. Pots dry out faster, which suits the plant, but check them in extreme heat.

How do I care for Scarlet O'Hara Bougainvillea?

Plant carefully without breaking up the root ball, water through the first summer, then keep it lean and dry. Prune hard after each flowering flush, wearing heavy gloves for the thorns, and tie the retained canes to their support. Feed once in early spring with a low-nitrogen fertiliser to encourage bracts rather than foliage.

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Uses in my Garden

  • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea works in an:

  • Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
  • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
  • Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
  • Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.

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Planting Information

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