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

- **Height**: 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) as a bush; up to 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) if trained as a vine

- **Width**: 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) as a bush; wider when sprawling or climbing

- **Growth Habit**: Compact and bushy when pruned; sprawling or vining with support

- **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, deep purple to magenta 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 added 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 in late winter or early spring to maintain bushy shape or control size

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

- Water sparingly once established to encourage blooming; thrives with root restriction in containers

- **Pests/Diseases**:

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

- Susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions

- **Uses**: Containers, hedges, borders, trellis or wall cover, or as a bushy accent

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

- **Special Features**:

- Known for its intense purple-magenta color and vigorous growth

- More compact than many traditional bougainvilleas, making it ideal for smaller spaces

- Fewer thorns compared to older varieties

The New River Purple Bougainvillea Bush’s bold purple bracts and lush foliage deliver a tropical burst of color, thriving in sunny spots with minimal care once established. Let me know if you’d like care tips or planting ideas!