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

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

Most loved for its vivid scarlet-red flowering display and vigorous low-maintenance growth habit.

Regular price $200.00
Sale price $200.00 Regular price
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Size: 30cm
Current height guide
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Pot size
30cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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Size / batchEachQuantity
30cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$200.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’

    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.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Spreading
    Use
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    Mature height
    3m to 6m
    Mature width
    2m to 5m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea

    Site: Choose a sheltered position in full sun to part shade with a sturdy trellis, fence or support nearby for training.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, close to the support structure.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply and tie the leading stems loosely to the support.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea

    Training distance: 1.5 to 2 metres between plants along a trellis, fence or pergola for full coverage.

    Feature climber: Allow a single specimen 2 to 3 metres of support to develop a full canopy of foliage and flowers.

    Pot or container: A 50 centimetre wide pot with a sturdy trellis support suits a single plant in a courtyard or balcony.

    Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea is expected to grow 1m to 2m per year (fast).

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods, with extra water through flowering.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Light prune after the main flowering flush to shape and direct new growth. Tie in young stems to maintain coverage on the support.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea in Different Soil

    Bougainvillea Scarlet OHara Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    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.

    Is Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 3m to 6m

    Mature Width: 2m to 5m

    Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea is expected to grow 1m to 2m per year (fast).

    Growth Rate of Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea

    Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea is expected to grow 1m to 2m per year (fast).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea

    Is Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea frost tolerant?

    Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

    Does Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea Flower?

    Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ produces masses of vivid scarlet-red bracts surrounding small cream flowers through spring, summer and into autumn. The vigorous flowering habit creates a bold and long-lasting display across pergolas, walls, fences and feature plantings.

    Does Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring
    • Autumn

    Flower Type:

    Flower Colour:

    Red

    Is Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea is Native to

    What is the Wildlife Value of Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea ?

    Its vibrant flowering bracts and small nectar-producing flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators throughout the warmer months. The dense climbing growth also provides light shelter and habitat for small birds and insects within garden settings.

    How much Sunlight does Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea need?

    Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ performs best in free-draining sandy or loam soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It will also tolerate poorer soils provided drainage remains excellent. Avoid heavy clay or persistently wet conditions unless significantly improved, as excess moisture can reduce flowering performance and lead to root stress. Keep soil lightly moist during establishment, then allow it to dry slightly between watering as the plant matures.

    Is Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea Drought Tolerant?

    Is Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ – Scarlet Red Flowering Bougainvillea Drought tolerant?

    As a young plant it benefits from regular watering to establish strong growth, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ shows excellent drought tolerance and performs reliably through hot, dry conditions with minimal supplementary watering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Does Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ need full sun?
    A: Yes, full sun is essential for strong flowering and dense growth.

    Q: Is it drought tolerant?
    A: Yes, once established it performs extremely well in dry conditions.

    Q: Can it grow over pergolas and fences?
    A: Yes, it is ideal for covering pergolas, walls, arches, and fences.

    Q: Does it flower for long periods?
    A: Yes, flowering commonly occurs from spring through autumn in warm climates.

    Compare sizes side by side

    30cm

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ is loved for its vivid scarlet-red flowering display and vigorous low-maintenance growth habit.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

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