Maureen Gilmer
Family
Nyctaginaceae
Botanical Name
Bougainvillea x buttiana 'Mahara'
Plant Common Name
Bougainvillea, Mahara Bougainvillea
General Description
This hybrid bougainvillea, ‘Mahara,’ is a vigorous, woody, evergreen climber with short thorns and large, green leaves. It is grown primarily for its abundant, colorful, flower-like clusters of purple bracts surrounding small cream to pink flowers, and its abundant bloom year-round in warm climates, or from spring to autumn in cooler climates.It is vigorous plant and can grow huge, It needs pruning to restrain it.
Grow ‘Mahara’ in full sun and well-drained, even slightly dry, soil. It bloom most heavily in dry, hot conditions. Over-watering, even in the desert, produces more foliage and less bloom. Like all bougainvilleas, it has a root system that resents disturbance. When planting a nursery purchase, keep the rootball intact. Use this climber for masses of color walls, arbors, fences, pergolas and gates, or even climbing onto roofs and into trees. In cold climates, it may be as an annual in hanging baskets or pots.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Vine/Liana
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
25'-40' / 7.6m - 12.2m
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Width
20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Vining/Climbing
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Light Green
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Bark Color
Green, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Hanging Basket, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Vine
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No