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!