- **Type**: Evergreen shrub (in warm climates); semi-evergreen in cooler zones

- **Height**: 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm)

- **Width**: 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 cm), spreading slightly wider than tall

- **Growth Habit**: Compact, dwarf, mounding, with a bushy, low profile

- **Foliage**:

- Dark green, oval leaves, 1 to 2 inches long (2.5 to 5 cm)

- Glossy texture, evergreen in frost-free areas; may drop in cold winters

- **Flowers**:

- Clusters of vibrant fuchsia-pink to reddish-pink papery bracts surrounding tiny white true flowers

- Bracts about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across

- Bloom season: Spring to fall (April to October), nearly year-round in mild climates

- Mildly fragrant, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

- **Fruit**:

- Small, dry capsules, about 0.5 inches (1 cm), not ornamentally significant

- **Light**: Full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering; tolerates light shade

- **Soil**:

- Well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5)

- Tolerates poor soils but thrives with some organic matter

- **Watering**: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established, blooms best with periodic drying

- **Hardiness**: USDA Zones 9 to 11 (20°F or -6°C; may regrow from roots in Zone 9 with protection)

- **Wildlife**: Attracts pollinators (butterflies, hummingbirds); not deer-resistant

- **Care**:

- Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushiness

- Fertilize sparingly with a balanced mix (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring

- Water sparingly once established; thrives with crowded roots in containers

- **Pests/Diseases**:

- Generally pest-free; may see aphids, scale, or caterpillars

- Susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions

- **Uses**: Containers, hanging baskets, low borders, groundcover, or small accent shrub

- **Growth Rate**: Moderate; grows 12 to 18 inches per year under good conditions

- **Special Features**:

- True dwarf variety, ideal for small spaces or pots

- Heavy bloomer with vivid pinkish-red bracts

- Fewer thorns than larger bougainvilleas, making it easier to handle

The Helen Johnson Dwarf Bougainvillea’s compact size and dazzling fuchsia-pink bracts make it a perfect low-maintenance choice for adding tropical color to small gardens, patios, or containers. Let me know if you’d like care tips or planting suggestions!