Bougainvillea ‘Raspberry Ice’ is a vibrant, variegated variety that brings both color and contrast into the landscape. It stands out not just for its blooms, but for its foliage as well, which gives it interest even when it’s not in peak flower.

The leaves are green with creamy white edges, creating a bright, almost glowing backdrop. Against that, the bracts show up in rich raspberry pink tones, giving the plant a layered, high contrast look that really draws the eye.

Like other bougainvilleas, the “flowers” are actually colorful bracts surrounding small, less noticeable true flowers. When it’s in full bloom, it can cover itself in color, especially in warm weather.

It has a vining, somewhat sprawling growth habit and can be trained along walls, fences, trellises, or even allowed to cascade over slopes. With pruning, it can also be shaped into a more controlled shrub form.

Bougainvillea ‘Raspberry Ice’ grows best in full sun and requires well drained soil. It thrives in heat and performs best with less frequent watering once established. Too much water can reduce flowering.

It can grow quite large over time, often reaching 10 to 20 feet or more depending on how it’s trained and maintained. It is well suited for USDA zones 9 through 11 and is sensitive to frost. The foliage is evergreen in mild climates. This plant can be seen widely throughout Southern California landscapes, especially along coastal areas.

This plant has low toxicity, though the thorns can be a concern, so placement should be considered in high traffic areas.

The flowers may attract pollinators such as bees.

It is generally deer resistant.

Bougainvillea ‘Raspberry Ice’ fits especially well into Mediterranean, coastal, and tropical style garden designs, where its color and variegation can be used as a focal point or to cover vertical surfaces.

Expert Tip:

I like to stay pretty intentional with pruning on this one. It can get wild fast, so shaping it early and keeping it guided makes a big difference. I like to use it as a ground cover and planted in masses.

— Nick from Rooted Theory