Meet Blueberry Ice: The Coolest Bougie on the Block
If you’re craving something bold but balanced, Blueberry Ice delivers. With its dramatic purple-violet bracts, variegated green-and-cream leaves, and compact growth habit, this cultivar offers a unique twist on the classic bougainvillea.
For Sarasota homeowners who want tropical color without going over the top, Blueberry Ice is a standout—perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and tidy landscape borders.
💜 And yes, it’s every bit as pretty as the name suggests.
Why Sarasota Gardeners Love Blueberry Ice
It’s Unique
- The variegated foliage makes this bougie eye-catching even when not in full bloom.
- Violet-purple bracts pop against the creamy edges—instant garden glamour.
Compact
- Grows smaller and more controllable than other bougainvillea—typically 3–5 ft tall and wide.
- Ideal for containers, raised beds, and patios.
Low-Maintenance
- Just like its cousins, Blueberry Ice thrives on sun and neglect.
- Once established, it’s drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and reliably reblooms.
A Bit of Background: How Blueberry Ice Came to Be
Blueberry Ice is part of a popular “ice series” of bougainvillea cultivars—alongside Coconut Ice, Orange Ice, and others. These hybrids were developed for:
- Compact growth (great for urban and patio spaces)
- Show-stopping variegation
- Vibrant, fruit-inspired bract colors
While Blueberry Ice doesn’t have a century-old origin story like Barbara Karst, it’s quickly become a favorite in modern Florida landscapes—especially where space is limited, but style is not.
How to Grow Blueberry Ice in Sarasota County
Light
Plant in full sun (6+ hours/day) for the best flowering and brightest bract color. A partly shady spot? It will still grow—but don’t expect those vibrant pops of purple.
Water
- Water deeply but let soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Overwatering leads to root rot—it prefers it dry over drenched.
🪴 Tip for containers: Use a breathable, well-draining pot with drainage holes.
Soil & Fertilizer
- Prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soils
- Fertilize 2–3 times a year with a bloom-focused fertilizer (low nitrogen, high phosphorus)
Don’t overdo it—this bougie thrives on a light touch.
Pruning
- Light pruning after each bloom flush keeps it tidy and full.
- Heavier pruning can be done in early spring to shape or reset growth.
No need to wear chainmail—its thorns are present but not aggressive.
Cold Sensitivity
Sarasota’s winters are mild, but protect container plants from rare dips below 40°F:
- Move pots to a covered lanai
- Use frost cloths for in-ground specimens during cold snaps
Creative Ways to Use Blueberry Ice
- Patio Showpiece
Let it shine in a large, decorative planter with teal or terracotta tones. Gorgeous contrast! - Hanging Basket Beauty
Perfectly sized for hanging baskets—it spills gracefully with color and texture. - Tidy Border Planting
Use as a low hedge or flowering edge in formal garden beds or pool landscapes. - Accent Plant in Mixed Containers
Combine with succulents or silver foliage for an upscale, Mediterranean vibe.
Common Questions from Local Gardeners
Is Blueberry Ice invasive or aggressive?
Not at all. It’s one of the more well-behaved bougies—great for small spaces or even balconies.
Does it bloom all year?
In Sarasota’s climate, you’ll enjoy flowers from early spring through late fall, with a light winter rest.
Can I shape it into a bonsai or topiary?
Yes! With consistent pruning, Blueberry Ice can be shaped into tree forms, mounds, or cascading displays.
Sarasota-Specific Growing Calendar
| Month | What to Do |
| Jan–Feb | Prune lightly, protect from cold snaps |
| Mar–Apr | Fertilize, water as growth kicks in |
| May–Jul | Blooming season—light shaping as needed |
| Aug–Sept | Fertilize once more, monitor dryness |
| Oct–Dec | Light trimming, prep for winter slowdown |
Quick Reference: Blueberry Ice at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Botanical Name | Bougainvillea glabra ‘Blueberry Ice’ |
| Growth Habit | Compact shrub or vine (3–5 ft) |
| Bloom Color | Purple-violet bracts |
| Foliage | Green with creamy white variegation |
| Sun Needs | Full sun |
| Watering | Low once established |
| Zones | 9b–11 |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic but mildly thorny |
Ready to Cool Down Your Garden with Blueberry Ice?
At Troy’s Tropics, we carry Blueberry Ice bougainvillea in container-ready and trellis-trained forms—perfect for patio gardens, balconies, or small yards.
Our plants are:
- Locally grown for Sarasota’s climate
- Carefully sun-hardened and pest-inspected
- Available for pickup or local delivery 🚚
Visit us today or call for availability—we’ll help you bring home your perfect bougie!
Share Your Garden Glow-Up!
Tag @troystropics with your Blueberry Ice photos or use #TropicsBlooms to show off your setup.
