How to Identify Barbara Karst Bougainvillea Plant Varieties

Barbara Karst bougainvillea is one of the most popular varieties grown today It’s prized for its prolific clusters of vibrant red bracts that provide nonstop color in gardens and landscapes But did you know there are actually a few different Barbara Karst varieties to choose from? Each has slightly different features that set them apart,

In this article I’ll explain the key differences between original Barbara Karst and other Barbara Karst hybrids. Read on to learn how to identify which variety you have or want for your garden.

Barbara Karst – The Original Variety

Barbara Karst was the first variety that gained widespread popularity. Here are the defining features of this original type:

• Flower Color – Bright crimson-red bracts with a magenta tint. Bract color is bold and vivid.

• Flower Shape – Bracts are wide and ovular with wavy, ruffled edges

• Flower Size – Bracts grow 2-3 inches wide and form large, showy clusters.

• Foliage – Oblong green leaves have a purple tint on the undersides. Leaves grow to 2-4 inches long.

• Growth Habit – Fast growing and spreading. Can be trained as a vine or pruned into a bush.

• Climate Tolerance – Does well in warm climates. Tolerates heat, humidity, and drought. Not frost hardy.

The original Barbara Karst variety remains beloved for its intensely colored floral display and vigorous growth. It’s a great choice for gardens in USDA zones 9-11.

Barbara Karst Double Red (‘Monrua’)

The Double Red variety, sometimes sold as ‘Monrua’, features ruffled bracts that resemble rose blooms. Here’s how to identify it:

• Flower Color – Deep crimson-red bracts with very dense, frilly edges. Color is darker than original.

• Flower Shape – Bracts have very ruffled, doubled edges that create a rose-like appearance.

• Flower Size – Bract clusters are large like the original. Individual bracts reach 2-3 inches wide.

• Growth Habit – Vigorous like the original Barbara Karst. Ideal for creating flowering hedges.

Double Red is a beautiful, rose-like form of this classic bougainvillea variety. It boasts the same vivid color and vigorous growth as Barbara Karst.

Barbara Karst ‘Double Pink’

If you see big clusters of bright pink ruffled bracts, it’s likely the Double Pink Barbara Karst:

• Flower Color – Vibrant pink bracts with lighter pink ruffled edges.

• Flower Shape – Very doubled, frilly bracts resembling rose blooms.

• Flower Size – Large bract clusters. Individual bracts grow 2-3 inches wide.

• Growth Habit – Vigorous and spreading like other Barbara Karst types.

Double Pink adds a new color option to this series. Its highly doubled form gives it a very showy, feminine look in the garden.

Barbara Karst ‘Royale Red’

Royale Red is another recent double-flowered addition. Here’s how to spot it:

• Flower Color – Brilliant red bracts with lighter edges. Color is vivid and intense.

• Flower Shape – Very ruffled, frilly bracts with doubled edges.

• Flower Size – Big clusters with 2-3 inch wide bracts.

• Growth Habit – Spreading, mounded form growing to 6 feet tall and wide.

With its dense, doubled blooms in rich red, Royale Red certainly lives up to its regal name. It has all the vigor and color impact of Barbara Karst.

Tips for Choosing a Variety

When selecting a Barbara Karst bougainvillea, consider your climate and preferred flower characteristics:

• Choose the original for intense red color and easy care.

• Pick a double variety for lush, rose-like blooms.

• Go for Double Pink if you prefer pink tones over red.

• Select Royale Red for the most vibrant true red color.

• Ensure the variety is suited for your USDA zone.