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Bougainvillea ‘Helen Johnson’

Helen Johnson' Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea Helen Johnson, Helen Johnson Bougainvillea, Pink Bougainvillea, Evergreen Shrub, Bicolor Bougainvillea

A favorite dwarf Bougainvillea variety, ‘Helen Johnson’ is an evergreen shrub or vine with clusters of bright pink bracts surrounding tiny white flowers. Emerging coppery orange, the bracts mature to bold pink with a hint of purple, giving it a lovely bi-colored look. Blooming periodically throughout the year in warm winter areas, and from summer to fall elsewhere, the colorful blossoms give way to small inconspicuous fruits, 1/2 in. long (1 cm). The flowers are borne on stems clad with sharp spines and small, pointed, dark green leaves. This cultivar is ideal for use as a groundcover, trained in a bush form, and for small gardens.

  • Slow-growing, this Bougainvillea grows as high and wide as 2-3 ft. (60-90 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun or light shade, in acid, well-drained soils. Bougainvillea tolerates hot, dry locations fairly well, but dislikes constantly wet soils. Good drought tolerance once established but will look better if watered during dry spells. Water freely in summer and sparingly in the winter. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.
  • Excellent choice for mass plantings, as a specimen plant, ground cover for banks, rock gardens, and containers
  • Deer resistant with a good salt spray tolerance. While it can be grown near the shore, some light protection should be provided.
  • Regular pruning may be required to keep inbounds or shape the plant. Always prune this plant immediately after flowering. Be aware that repetitive pruning may reduce flowering as this plant flowers on new growth. Pinching the tips of new growth will encourage branching.
  • Cuttings 4-6 in. long (10-15 cm), put under mist, will usually root in 4 to 6 weeks.

Bougainvillea: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for Bougainvillea like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these charming plants.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Climbers, Shrubs
Plant Family Nyctaginaceae
Genus Bougainvillea
Common names Bougainvillea
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Bougainvillea Oo-la-la
Bougainvillea ‘La Jolla’
Bougainvillea ‘Imperial Delight’
Bougainvillea x buttiana ‘Barbara Karst’
Bougainvillea x buttiana ‘Afterglow’
Bougainvillea ‘California Gold’

Recommended Companion Plants

Cordyline ‘Pink Passion’ (Cabbage Tree)
Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ (Blue Fescue)

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Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea: How to Grow and Care with Success
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Climbers, Shrubs
Plant Family Nyctaginaceae
Genus Bougainvillea
Common names Bougainvillea
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Bougainvillea
Not sure which Bougainvillea to pick?
Compare Now

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