Bougainvillea - Torch Glow
Bougainvillea ‘Torch Glow’ is a flowering shrub with a very long blooming season here in the desert. It also takes on the heat and drought like a champion too.
This bougainvillea variety puts an interesting twist on the genus with its tall, upright stems that are topped with bright, magenta bracts that glow like a torch. And since this bougainvillea is not a vine, you can grow it as a standalone shrub or hedge. No support or trellis necessary.
Botanical name: Bougainvillea ‘Torch Glow’
Other names: Paper flower
Bougainvillea Torch Glow for sale at the nursery
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bougainvillea Torch Glow Appearance
Bougainvillea ‘Torch Glow’ is one of the more distinctive bougainvilleas because of its upright growth habit. Unlike most bougainvilleas, which are typically vines, bougainvillea ‘Torch Glow’ is a multi-stemmed shrub with woody, brown stems.
Bracts are modified leaves that look like flowers from far away. The magenta bracts of this bougainvillea are thin with papery texture, and hold up well to intense sunlight. The actual flowers, found amongst the bracts, are tiny, white, and tubular, and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Enjoy the showy blooms year-round in many frost-free areas. This evergreen plant blooms from spring to fall in many parts of California that experience brief periods of frost.
Height when mature is 6-8 feet.
Bougainvillea Torch Glow Landscaping Tips
It provides bright, cheery color to the garden nearly year round, as well as deep-colored evergreen leaves.
Grows quickly. Provide ample space for it to grow. It can reach 6-8 feet in height and 3-5 feet in width.
It sheds quite a bit, but not as much as the typical Bougainvillea vine such as Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst.’
It grows upright, so it does not require support such as a trellis or wall.
Handle with care since it has thorns.
It can be used as a hedge, topiary, or standalone shrub.
Bougainvillea Torch Glow in detail
Bougainvillea Torch Glow Origin
Bougainvilleas are from the eastern part of South America, in regions that are warm or temperate year-round.
Bougainvillea Torch Glow Care
Soil: Fast draining soil is key to a bougainvillea's health. In the desert area, we recommend using fertilizer during growing season or adding compost. Higher phosphorous will encourage flowers while higher nitrogen will encourage leaves.
Temperature: Bougainvillea Torch Glow can withstand temperatures down to 25 degrees for a brief period of time. It also does well in the desert heat in the Palm Springs region.
Water: Drought tolerant once established. We recommend occasional, deep waterings. Allow the soil to be dry between waterings. Either use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level.
Sun: Full sun. Partial shade is fine in the Palm Springs region.
Bougainvillea Torch Glow Problems
Pests: Bougainvilleas have minimal pests, which are usually aphids and spider mites.
For aphids, blast them off with water if the infestation is light. Otherwise, use horticultural oil or soapy water.
For spider mites, control the infestation as soon as it’s discovered. Some options are horticultural oil applied several days apart as well as insecticidal soap combined with hydrogen peroxide. Use commercial pesticide for severe infestations.
Whenever using any kind of pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.
Signs of overwatering: Fewer flowers compared to leaf growth, root rot
Signs of too little water: Wilting, dropping leaves and bracts
Signs of too much sun: Fading color
Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, dulling color of bracts, fewer flowers
Bougainvillea Torch Glow Propagation
Take 4 to 8 inch cuttings from the tip and plant in soil, preferably in early spring.
FAQ
How much does Bougainvillea Torch Glow cost?
At our nursery, Bougainvillea ‘Torch Glow’ costs $20 for a 5-gallon container and $75 for a 15-gallon container.
Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.
Is Bougainvillea torch glow toxic to pets?
Yes, it’s mildly toxic if ingested. Keep away from curious pets.
How should I prune bougainvillea torch glow?
Perform heavy pruning in late winter. Do not prune more than a third of the plant at once. Small pruning for shaping or removing weak or diseased branches can be done at any time of the year. Because this bougainvillea takes well to pruning, you can be creative and shape it for multiple purposes, whether hedge, topiary, or standalone shrub.
Summary
| SIZE (H X W) | 8 X 4 feet |
|---|---|
| FLOWER COLOR | Magenta |
| FLOWER SEASON | Year Round |
| EXPOSURE | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| WATER | Low |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| HARDINESS | 25º F, USDA Zone 9 |
| PRUNING | As Needed |