Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

Bougainvillea x buttiana 'Barbara Karst'

Image of Bougainvillea x buttiana 'Barbara Karst'

Carol Cloud Bailey

Family

Nyctaginaceae

Botanical Name

Bougainvillea x buttiana 'Barbara Karst'

Plant Common Name

Barbara Karst Bougainvillea, Bougainvillea, Paperflower

General Description

One of the most popular of the many hybrid bougainvilleas, 'Barbara Karst' is a free-flowering, vigorous, woody, evergreen climber with short thorns and dull wavy-edged green leaves. It is grown primarily for its abundant, colorful clusters of bright red flower bracts which it produces from summer to autumn starting at an early age. The stems do not cling or twine and may require tying to their support.

Plant in full sun and fertile, well-drained garden soil. A good choice for areas with hot summers and winter frosts, 'Barbara Karst' makes a colorful accent on walls or pergolas and may be planted as an annual in hanging baskets or other containers. It also works as a rambling shrub or bank cover.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Vine/Liana

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    25'-40' / 7.6m - 12.2m

  • Width

    5'-40' / 1.5m - 12.2m

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Vining/Climbing

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow, Red, Purple

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Light Green

  • Bark Color

    Green, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical, Vine

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds

  • Self-Sowing

    No