Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst'

Frost Tolerance: Without protection in Phoenix, the frost will kill major part of the branches, plant will grow back rapidly from the roots. Hardy to 25°F (-4°C)

Heat Tolerance: A good variety for Phoenix heat

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Garden

Growth Habits: Thorny vine, up to a 20 feet, evergreen shrub in frost free locations.

Watering Needs: Regular deep watering

'Barbara Karst' is a good variety for Phoenix, it does fine with the extreme heat, and starts growing early in the spring, covering rapidly any frost damage. Progressively it is replaced by the similar looking 'La Jolla' bougainvillea, that has a longer blooming peiod.
The color of 'Barbara Karst' varies depending on the quantity of sun, it is bright red when growing full sun in a south exposure, but turns bluish when getting less sun.

Blooming Habits:
Blooms year around in protected locations.

Culture:
The bougainvillea root system is extremely fragile. The plant doesn't like to be moved. Take extra caution when removing the plant from the pot before placing it in the ground.

Propagation:
Cuttings from mid-winter to early spring, keep soil mixture moist, better with bottom heat.