Barbara Karst Bougainvillea

‘Barbara Karst’ is a vigorous bougainvillea vine known for vivid magenta-red papery bracts around small white true flowers. It provides a long warm-season color display and can be trained on an arbor or used as a sprawling groundcover where space permits. [Monrovia](https://www.monrovia.com/barbara-karst-bougainvillea.html) lists the exact cultivar, full sun, zones 10–11, and climbing stems that reach 20–30 ft with support. ## Landscape Use Use it on a substantial trellis or allow it to ramble across a bank; secure young stems because bougainvillea does not cling by tendrils. The [Chicago Botanic Garden profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/bougainvillea-x-buttiana-barbara-karst-barbara-karst-paper-flower) describes an upright woody tropical climber with short thorns and seasonal masses of deep magenta-red bracts. ## Size and Siting Give the plant full sun and room to climb. It can be pruned into a shrub, though repeated trimming reduces display. Monrovia lists 20–30 ft with support; the Chicago Botanic Garden gives about 20 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide, while the University of Arizona Arboretum lists a much broader 20–50 ft by 16–20 ft. Mature width varies with training and growing conditions. Chicago Botanic Garden lists 4–6 ft, while [Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery](https://devilmountainnursery.com/bougainvillea-barbara-karst-pink/) lists 8–15 ft; Monrovia gives a supported height of 20–30 ft. ## Soil and Water Choose fast-draining soil and take care not to break the sensitive root ball when planting. Water deeply through establishment; once established, let the soil dry between waterings. [Monrovia](https://www.monrovia.com/barbara-karst-bougainvillea.html) describes it as drought tolerant after establishment and evergreen only in frost-free climates. ## Maintenance Tie in new growth and prune after a flush or in late winter to control shape. Wear gloves around the thorns. In cold areas, protect it from freezing or grow it in a container that can be sheltered.