Raspberry Ice Bougainvillea
Location
General Plants
- Common Name: Bougainvillea, ‘Raspberry Ice’ may also be labeled ‘Hawaii’.
- Scientific Name: Bougainvillea brasiliensis ‘Raspberry Ice’
- Family Name: Nyctaginaceae
- Origin: Brazil
- Height: 36”-48”
- Width: 4’-6’
- Growth: Fast.
- Zone: USDA 9-11a. Will die back in a severe freeze. Usually recovers.
- Light Needs: Full sun.
- Salt Tolerance: High tolerance.
- Soil/PH/Texture: Acid to slightly alkaline. PH 5.6-6.5. Fertilize spring and summer.
- Soil Moisture: Medium. Likes to dry out between waterings.
- Drought Tolerance: Medium needs. Water regularly when growing, less needed in winter. Ease off the irrigation in to promote bloom.
- Pests/Diseases: Relatively pest free. Caterpillars or aphids occasionally may chew foliage.
- Growing Conditions: Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer every 3 months. Trim back hard each summer. Blooms best late Dec.-June.
- Characteristics: A vigorous, fast-growing, evergreen vine. Shrubby, mounding appearance. ‘Raspberry Ice’ has beautiful variegated foliage, and vibrant deep fuchsia flower bracts. It is one of the hardiest bougainvilleas, and a good choice for hanging baskets.
- Propagation: Stem cuttings or layering. Roots are fragile, take care when planting.
- Wildlife: Attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Facts: Be aware that bougainvilleas have sharp thorns on the trunks, wear heavy gloves when pruning or moving.
- Designer Considerations: Gorgeous color for containers, and can stay in the same pot for years. However, bloom comes in spurts, so it will look bare part of the time. Also drops flowers continuously. Great plant for intense color, makes a good central focal point in hanging basket or in the ground.