Bougainvillea Mary Palmer
Notify MeBougainvillea Mary Palmer is a striking, evergreen climber admired for its soft lavender bracts that gradually fade to blush pink, creating a two-toned effect through the flowering season. From late Spring into Autumn, it provides a long-lasting display of colour, with small, white tubular flowers nestled within the showy bracts. Its vigorous habit and thorny stems make it well-suited to training along structures.
Perfect for Mediterranean, tropical, and coastal gardens, as well as adding vibrant impact to walls, fences, and archways.
Plant in full sun with free-draining soil and low to moderate moisture. It thrives in dry, warm conditions and benefits from light pruning after flowering. Provide sturdy support and space appropriately for its vigorous growth.
Mature size: Strong climber reaching approximately 3–4m tall and wide with structural support.
Trimming: Prune after flowering to shape the plant and encourage dense growth. ‘Mary Palmer’ responds well to trimming—cut back leggy or unruly stems and remove any weak or crossing branches. Regular light pruning encourages repeat flowering and keeps the plant compact, especially if grown as a hedge or specimen.
Deadheading: Not necessary, but removing spent bracts can enhance tidiness and may encourage further flowering under warm, sunny conditions.
Fertilising: Apply a high-potassium fertiliser in early spring and continue feeding every 6–8 weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilisers high in nitrogen, which promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Once established, ‘Mary Palmer’ is drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal watering. Overwatering can reduce flowering and lead to root issues.
Pest Control: Watch for aphids, scale, mealybugs, and caterpillars, particularly on soft new growth. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if necessary. Regular monitoring helps keep problems under control.
Disease Management: Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Fungal leaf spots can occur in humid or overcrowded conditions—remove affected foliage and prune to improve airflow. Avoid overhead watering where possible.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
