Bougainvillea 'California Gold' is a magnificent, hardy variety of bougainvillea, famous for its spectacular golden blooms that can brighten up any garden or outdoor space. This variety is distinguished by its bright, golden-yellow bracts, which contrast beautifully with its dark green leaves, providing an impressive visual spectacle when in full bloom.
Origin: Originally from South America, bougainvilleas like 'California Gold' have been widely adopted in warm climates around the world, particularly in California, where it takes its name, for their ability to thrive in warm, sunny conditions.
Growth: Bougainvillea 'California Gold' is a vigorous climber that can reach several meters in height and width. It is often used to cover trellises, fences or walls, or as a hanging plant in high gardens.
Flowers: The plant is renowned for its colorful bracts, which are often mistaken for flowers. The real flowers of Bougainvillea 'California Gold' are small, creamy-white and generally insignificant compared with the bright bracts that surround them.
Light: This variety requires full sun exposure to produce the best blooms. It is ideal for sunny locations where few other plants can thrive so vigorously.
Watering: Bougainvillea 'California Gold' is relatively drought tolerant once established, but regular irrigation during the growing season will help maintain abundant flowering. It's important to let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
Substrate: Well-drained soil is essential for this plant. Bougainvilleas don't tolerate stagnant or soggy soils, so a perlite amendment may be beneficial to improve drainage.
Toxicity: Bougainvillea 'California Gold' is not toxic to humans or pets, but its thorns can create a risk of injury. Gloves and adequate protection are recommended when handling or pruning the plant.
Bougainvillea 'California Gold' is an excellent choice for those wishing to add a spectacular splash of color to their landscape. Its rapid growth, drought resistance and brilliant flowering make it a plant of choice for gardens in warm climates, offering a display of color almost all year round.
