Arizona’s desert climate is famous for its heat, sun, and limited rainfall. While these conditions challenge many plants, they also set the stage for certain species to thrive beautifully. Few plants match the drama and vibrancy of Bougainvillea, and among its many cultivars, the ‘Alexandrina’ variety has earned admiration for its dazzling color and vigorous growth. With careful placement, Bougainvillea ‘Alexandrina’ can bring a tropical splash of brilliance to Arizona landscapes without demanding heavy water or care.
Bougainvillea is a tropical and subtropical flowering plant originally from South America, widely celebrated for its paper-like bracts that surround tiny white flowers. The ‘Alexandrina’ cultivar is prized for its striking magenta-purple blooms, which appear in repeated flushes during the warm months.
This variety is typically a vining or sprawling shrub that can be trained as a climbing plant, a cascading accent, or even a container specimen. It can grow 10 to 20 feet with support but is also manageable with pruning. Like other bougainvilleas, ‘Alexandrina’ combines brilliant color with toughness, making it suitable for both residential and commercial Arizona landscapes.
Arizona’s intense sunlight and high summer temperatures are not a problem for bougainvillea, this is where it performs best. Planted in full sun, ‘Alexandrina’ responds with the most vivid color and prolific blooming.
Once established, Bougainvillea ‘Alexandrina’ is highly drought-tolerant, needing only occasional deep watering. This makes it ideal for xeriscape designs and water-conscious Arizona gardens.
From spring through fall, this cultivar bursts into bloom, cycling through waves of vibrant magenta bracts. Its long flowering season ensures months of color in landscapes where many plants have short bloom periods.
‘Alexandrina’ can be trained on trellises, pergolas, and fences for vertical coverage, or allowed to sprawl naturally as a cascading shrub. It also adapts well to large containers, adding patio or courtyard appeal.
The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making it not just a feast for the eyes but also a contributor to the desert garden ecosystem.
Because of its bold color and flexible form, ‘Alexandrina’ can serve multiple purposes in Arizona yards:
Climbing Vine: Trained on trellises, walls, or fences, it provides living coverage and spectacular seasonal displays.
Cascading Accent: Planted on slopes or in raised beds, it spills downward with vibrant color.
Containers: Grown in large pots, it decorates patios, courtyards, and poolside areas with tropical charm.
Hedges and Screens: With regular pruning, it can form colorful, informal hedges.
Focal Points: Its vivid bracts make it a natural choice for anchoring a garden design or adding contrast to gravel-heavy areas.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun for maximum blooms. At least six hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal.
Soil: Needs well-draining soil. Sandy or rocky soil works well; avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. Too much water encourages leafy growth and fewer flowers.
Fertilization: Light feeding with a bloom-boosting fertilizer in spring and midsummer enhances color. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Pruning: Regular pruning after bloom cycles maintains shape, encourages branching, and prolongs flowering. Always wear gloves, like other bougainvilleas, it has sharp thorns.
Frost Protection: ‘Alexandrina’ is frost-sensitive. In colder parts of Arizona, protect with frost cloth or plant near walls that radiate warmth at night. Container-grown plants can be moved to sheltered areas in winter.
Thorns: Bougainvillea has thorns, so it should be planted away from walkways and play areas.
Bloom Cycles: The plant flowers in cycles, producing brilliant color for weeks, then resting before blooming again.
Space Needs: ‘Alexandrina’ is vigorous, give it room to spread or plan for consistent pruning.
Bougainvillea ‘Alexandrina’ is a spectacular addition to Arizona landscapes, combining resilience with eye-catching beauty. Its magenta bracts, long blooming season, and adaptability to multiple landscape uses make it a go-to plant for homeowners who want bold color without high maintenance.
When given full sun, well-draining soil, and minimal but deep watering, Bougainvillea ‘Alexandrina’ thrives in Arizona’s desert climate. Whether climbing a trellis, cascading over a wall, or brightening a patio container, it proves that desert gardens can be as vibrant and dynamic as any tropical landscape.
We’re Now Copper Ridge Landscaping & Design! ELM Landscaping & Design is rebranding to Copper Ridge Landscaping & Design. Same trusted team and ownership. Same licensed, bonded, and insured company, proudly serving you for over 25 years. Thank you for growing with us!