Overview
Bougainvillea 'Helen Johnson' is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Bougainvillea, part of the Nyctaginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Bougainvillea 'Helen Johnson' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Bougainvillea 'Helen Johnson' is a climbing evergreen shrub cultivar within the Bougainvillea genus, known for its thorny stems and simple, oval leaves. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect with moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Suitable for conservatories and greenhouses in the UK, it requires protection as it has an H2 hardiness rating. This cultivar is best grown in well-drained soil, tolerating sun or part shade, and can be propagated by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings and layering. It provides winter interest in sheltered environments.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bougainvillea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Bougainvillea 'Helen Johnson' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bougainvillea 'Helen Johnson'
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, hardwood cuttings, layering
- Pest resistance
- Whitefly, mealybug, aphid, red spider mite
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bougainvillea 'Helen Johnson'?
Bougainvillea 'Helen Johnson' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bougainvillea 'Helen Johnson' need?
Bougainvillea 'Helen Johnson' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Bougainvillea 'Helen Johnson' hardy in the UK?
Bougainvillea 'Helen Johnson' has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Bougainvillea 'Helen Johnson'?
Semi-ripe cuttings, hardwood cuttings, layering.
More in the Bougainvillea genus
- Bougainvillea 'La Jolla'
- Bougainvillea 'Pink Clusters'
- Bougainvillea peruviana
- Bougainvillea peruviana 'Ecuador Pink'
- Bougainvillea pink-bracted
- Bougainvillea x buttiana 'Jamaica Red'
- Bougainvillea x buttiana 'Mahara' (d)
- Bougainvillea x buttiana 'Ratana Red' (v)