Juanita Hatten Bougainvillea Bush

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

- **Height**: 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) as a bush; up to 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) if trained as a vine

- **Width**: 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) as a bush; wider when sprawling or climbing

- **Growth Habit**: Upright, bushy when pruned; cascading or vining with support

- **Foliage**:

- Dark green leaves with faint light green variegation, 1 to 2 inches long (2.5 to 5 cm)

- Oval, slightly glossy, variegation fades as leaves mature

- Evergreen in frost-free areas; may drop in cold winters

- **Flowers**:

- Clusters of fiery fuchsia-red to scarlet papery bracts surrounding tiny creamy-white true flowers

- Bracts about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, blooming periodically year-round in warm climates, summer to fall elsewhere

- Mildly fragrant, attracts birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds

- **Fruit**:

- Small, inconspicuous, dry capsules, about 0.5 inches (1 cm) long, rarely noticed

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

- **Soil**:

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

- Tolerates poor soils but thrives with added organic matter

- **Watering**: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established, blooms best with less water

- **Hardiness**: USDA Zones 9 to 11 (20°F or -6°C; may die back in cold but can regrow from roots)

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

- **Care**:

- Prune in spring to shape or control size; heavy pruning encourages bushier growth

- Fertilize with a balanced mix (e.g., 10-10-10) once a year or use slow-release in spring

- Tie to supports if grown as a vine; thrives with crowded roots in containers

- **Pests/Diseases**:

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

- Susceptible to root rot in soggy soil

- **Uses**: Accent plant, hedge, container, trellis or arbor cover, wall-side border

- **Growth Rate**: Fast; can grow 1 to 3 feet per year with good conditions

The Juanita Hatten Bougainvillea Bush’s vivid fuchsia-red bracts and variegated leaves bring a tropical punch to sunny landscapes, thriving with minimal fuss once settled in. Let me know if you’d like care tips or planting ideas!