Bougainvillea ‘Coconut Ice’: Cool, Classy, and Florida-Friendly
Meta Description:
Bougainvillea ‘Coconut Ice’ brings crisp white blooms to your Sarasota garden. Discover why this elegant, easy-care variety is a must-have for patios, trellises, and tropical landscapes.
Meet Coconut Ice: Subtle Beauty With a Tropical Twist
Looking for a softer, more sophisticated bougainvillea? Coconut Ice is your answer. With its creamy white bracts, it delivers the beauty of a bougie without the bold, loud colors.
She’s a perfect pick for:
- Coastal homes
- White or pastel-themed gardens
- Anyone who loves elegance over excess
In short, Coconut Ice is like the white linen shirt of the plant world: cool, classic, and always in style.
Why Sarasota Gardeners Love Coconut Ice
Coconut Ice helps homeowners achieve effortless tropical elegance—without the maintenance headaches of pickier plants.
She’s Soft But Striking
- Her blush-white bracts practically glow in Florida’s bright light
- Offers visual contrast in colorful gardens or minimalist outdoor spaces
She’s Easy to Train
- Climbs gracefully up arbors, fences, or trellises
- Can be maintained as a low, mounding shrub or trained into a patio tree
She’s Heat & Drought Tolerant
- Loves full sun and sandy Florida soil
- Thrives with minimal watering once established
And yes—despite her delicate look, she’s tough as nails where it counts.
Where Coconut Ice Comes From
Like her “Ice Series” sisters (Blueberry Ice, Orange Ice, etc.), Coconut Ice was bred to offer:
- Refined color combinations
- Compact, manageable growth
- Year-round interest in warm climates like ours
While she’s newer than classic varieties like Barbara Karst, she’s been a fast favorite for designers and homeowners alike in Sarasota, Venice, and North Port.
How to Grow Coconut Ice in Sarasota County
Sunlight
Give her at least 6 hours of full sun per day. More sun = more blooms, more vibrance, and better form.
Water
- Water deeply when newly planted
- Once established, she thrives on a little neglect—perfect for Florida’s dry spells
Tip: Overwatering is the #1 reason bougainvillea underperforms. Let her dry out between drinks.
Soil & Fertilizer
- Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal
- Feed 2–3 times annually with a bloom-boosting fertilizer (low nitrogen)
A spring feeding followed by a light midsummer boost is often enough.
Pruning
- Lightly prune after bloom cycles to shape and encourage rebloom
- Larger cuts should be done in late winter or early spring
Wear gloves—she’s not thorn-free!
Gorgeous Uses for Coconut Ice
- Pergola or Entry Arch
Use her soft blooms to frame entrances for a “quiet luxury” tropical vibe. - Container Centerpiece
In large pots, she creates vertical interest with clean lines and soft movement. - Garden Backdrop
Plant behind bold tropicals (like crotons or canna lilies) for contrast and balance. - Poolside Drama
Her light-colored bracts glow at dusk—a natural way to extend your landscape’s beauty into evening hours ✨
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Coconut Ice bloom year-round?
In Sarasota’s climate, yes! Expect blooms from spring through late fall, and even mild winter color in warm years.
Can she grow in part shade?
She’ll grow, but won’t bloom as profusely. For best results, plant in full sun.
Is she messy?
Not especially. The papery bracts fall occasionally but are easy to sweep or blow away—especially compared to larger-leafed plants.
Is she deer-resistant?
Yes! Like most bougainvillea, she’s not a favorite of deer or rabbits.
Sarasota-Specific Growing Calendar
| Month | What to Do |
| Jan–Feb | Light pruning, check for frost exposure |
| Mar–Apr | Fertilize and monitor early new growth |
| May–Jul | Enjoy blooms; prune lightly after flushes |
| Aug–Sept | Water as needed, apply 2nd fertilizer |
| Oct–Dec | Light cleanup, prep for seasonal shifts |
Quick Reference: Coconut Ice at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Botanical Name | Bougainvillea glabra ‘Coconut Ice’ |
| Growth Habit | Moderate climber/shrub (6–10 ft) |
| Bloom Color | White |
| Foliage | Variegated (green and white) |
| Sun Needs | Full sun |
| Watering | Low once established |
| Zones | 9b–11 (perfect for Sarasota) |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic, but thorns are present |
Add Coconut Ice to Your Garden
Looking to soften your tropical palette? Coconut Ice brings calm, coastal elegance to Sarasota gardens—without sacrificing the color or the Florida-tough attitude.
At Troy’s Tropics, we grow and carry:
- Locally acclimated Coconut Ice bougainvillea
- In pots, trellis-ready vines, and shaped patio specimens
- Available for pickup or Sarasota-area delivery 🚛
Stop by today to meet your next garden favorite—or call for availability!
Show Off Your Ice Style
Planted Coconut Ice recently? Tag us @troystropics or use #TropicsBlooms to share your soft-and-subtle bougie glow-up. Got questions? Drop them in the comments or stop by the shop!
