Bougainvillea New River Purple

Plant name: Bougainvillea ‘New River Purple’
Scientific name: Bougainvillea hybrid ‘New River Purple’

Plant description:
Bougainvillea ‘New River Purple’ is a vigorous, woody tropical vine known for its rapid growth and bold color display. This selection produces long, arching stems that can be trained on trellises, arbors, fences, or allowed to cascade from containers. Its strong branching structure creates a dense framework that supports repeated cycles of colorful bracts throughout the growing season.

Flower description:
Deep purple-magenta bracts surround small, tubular white flowers, creating the vibrant color typically associated with bougainvillea. The papery bracts appear in large clusters along the stems, providing extended seasonal color and a dramatic visual presence in the landscape.

Leaf description:
Leaves are ovate, medium green, and slightly textured with smooth margins. Foliage provides a lush backdrop for the vivid bracts and remains attractive when the plant is not in peak bloom.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in frost-free climates; semi-evergreen or deciduous where exposed to cool temperatures or drought stress.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 9–11 as a perennial; grown as a container specimen or seasonal plant in cooler regions.

Mature height and width:
10–20 feet tall and wide when supported as a vine; smaller when grown in containers or maintained through pruning.

Landscape uses:
Ideal for trellises, arbors, pergolas, walls, and large containers. Frequently used as a focal point where strong color and vertical interest are desired. Can be shaped into a shrub form or trained to cascade over raised planters and retaining walls.

Native range:
Hybrids derived from South American Bougainvillea species.

Sun exposure:
Full sun is essential for strong flowering and dense growth. Plants require several hours of direct light daily to produce abundant bracts.

Water requirements:
Moderate watering during establishment, followed by reduced frequency once established. Allow soil to dry slightly between watering to encourage flowering. Excess moisture may lead to reduced bloom production and root stress.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance but may experience aphids, caterpillars, or scale insects. Overly rich soil or excessive fertilization can reduce flowering and promote excessive foliage growth.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Highly tolerant of heat and intense sunlight, thriving in warm conditions with good drainage. Performs best in locations with strong light and airflow.

Cold tolerance:
Sensitive to freezing temperatures. Light frost may cause leaf drop, while extended cold exposure can damage stems. Plants often recover from the base if roots remain protected.

Growing tips:
Plant in well-drained soil and avoid heavy, moisture-retentive mixes. Prune after bloom cycles to control size and encourage branching, wearing protective gloves due to thorns. Fertilize lightly with a balanced or bloom-focused formula, as excessive nitrogen reduces flowering. When grown in containers, use a sturdy support structure and position the plant in the brightest available location to maintain vibrant purple bracts and consistent growth.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.