Desert Gardening 101
  • Home
  • About
  • Classes
  • Consultations
  • Speaking
  • Book
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Menu Menu
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Pinterest
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to Youtube

Landscape No-No’s: Wrong Plant, Wrong Place

Landscape No-No, Shrubs, Southwest garden
Bougainvillea
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn

The ‘Torch Glow’ Bougainvillea Dilemma

In my last post, I showed you a photo of a “landscape no-no” and challenged you to guess what the problem was.

Were you able to guess what is wrong with this planting?

Table of Contents hide
1. The ‘Torch Glow’ Bougainvillea Dilemma
1.1. Size Matters: ‘Torch Glow’ Bougainvillea
1.2. The Rosemary Predicament
2. The Lesson Learned: Research and Plan

I gave a hint that the plant in the middle is ‘Torch Glow’ Bougainvillea.

Well, I am happy to report that most of you were right about the problem.

Torch Glow Bougainvillea as a small shrub in a narrow location

Size Matters: ‘Torch Glow’ Bougainvillea

You see, ‘Torch Glow’ Bougainvillea (or any bougainvillea) for that matter, is too large to be planted in such a small area.

Although this bougainvillea shrub is small now, it will soon grow very big…

Torch Glow Bougainvillea as a young plant

I planted the ‘Torch Glow’ Bougainvillea, above, in my father-in-law’s back garden. At the time I took this photo – it was less then 2 years old.

Personally, I like this variety of Bougainvillea – it has an unusual shape compared to other types of Bougainvillea and produces less litter. It does grow very fast and will soon outgrow a small area.  At maturity, it can reach heights of 8 feet and 4 feet wide.

So, back to the original planting in the first photo.  The problem that will soon occur is that the ‘Torch Glow’ Bougainvillea will grow wider and overhang the pathway to the entry.

Of course, at first, the homeowner will attempt to keep the Bougainvillea pruned back – but he would be fighting a losing battle.  This shrub grows too big.

Did I also mention that this particular plant has THORNS?

You never want to put any type of plant or tree that has thorns, next to an area where people walk.  No one likes to get stuck by a thorn.

bush Rosemary

The Rosemary Predicament

This homeowner also had another landscape problem directly across the pathway from the bougainvillea…

He has a bush Rosemary planted in a tiny area that was 3 inches wide.

As you can see, he was already busy pruning it to keep it from hanging over the pathway.

Soon, the base of the plant will become more woody with less leaves as it grows, which will make it very unattractive.

In addition, the small amount of soil, will affect the ultimate health of the rosemary as well. It might become difficult to irrigate with a tiny root space as well.

The Lesson Learned: Research and Plan

**So what is the lesson learned from this “landscape no-no”?

Take a few minutes to research the plants you select before you plant them (don’t always rely on your landscaper’s advice – check for yourself).  Make sure the plants will fit that particular area once they reach their mature size.

I hope this will help you to avoid a similar mistake in the future in your garden.

***********************

I am still patiently (not really) waiting to plant my fall vegetable garden.  We are buying compost and manure this weekend to replenish the existing soil in the gardens and I hope to have everything planted soon.

I promise to keep you updated 🙂

Noelle Johnson, aka, 'AZ Plant Lady' is a author, horticulturist, and landscape consultant who helps people learn how to create, grow, and maintain beautiful desert gardens that thrive in a hot, dry climate. She does this through her consulting services, her online class Desert Gardening 101, and her monthly membership club, Through the Garden Gate. As she likes to tell desert-dwellers, "Gardening in the desert isn't hard, but it is different."
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Bougainvillea-wrong-place.jpg 395 640 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2012-08-30 01:30:002023-09-05 16:39:52Landscape No-No’s: Wrong Plant, Wrong Place
You might also like
Drought Tolerant Landscape Fall Planting: How to Select Plants
sustainable landscape What Keeps a Landscape From Being Sustainable?
What's Wrong With My Landscape What’s Wrong With This Landscape: The Answer
Fountain Grass What’s Wrong With This Landscape? – And The Answer Is…
Bougainvillea-wrong-place Landscape No-No: What’s Wrong With This Plant?
landscape consultation Landscape No-No’s
9 replies
  1. James Missier
    James Missier says:
    August 30, 2012 at 2:18 am

    Not so much of a fan of bougainvilleas unless they are the varigated type where the leaves are also coloured.
    These have softer & subtle thorns that can be tolerated compared to the the originals.
    I guess the best is get those that cascade downward and plant them where they can trail.

  2. Lucy Corrander : Photos
    Lucy Corrander : Photos says:
    August 30, 2012 at 6:41 am

    It's a shame that it's wrong because the top picture is dramatic.

  3. A Daughter of the King
    A Daughter of the King says:
    August 30, 2012 at 2:26 pm

    That Rosemary plant is such a trooper, struggling along in a 3 inch bed!

    Oh do tell what you are planting in your veggie garden. I'm snooping because my daughter and I will be planting a fall garden at her house soon. Our Spring/summer garden was a real flop, mostly because her chickens raided it…but now that the chickens are secured, I'm excited about fall planting. Funny, I've been gardening for over 30 years, but have very little experience with growing veggies.

  4. Arid
    Arid says:
    September 4, 2012 at 6:17 am

    Love the Torch Glow bougainvillea! I can also attest to the fact they can grow much taller and wider than stated. My mother has a 15 year old plant that is at least 12' tall and 15-20' wide. A showstopper!

  5. richardwilkins
    richardwilkins says:
    September 6, 2012 at 3:18 am

    I also experienced that one also to my last hired landscape contractor. This issue about putting a plant along the path way or placing it in an area that is not suitable for the plant to live. This thing must undergo in a proper landscape management so that we can avoid this kind of mistakes.

  6. Gary
    Gary says:
    April 6, 2018 at 12:57 pm

    I know this is an old post, but I’m wondering if torch glow can be grown in a pot? I live in Las Vegas NV and have a bare northwest corner in my yard that received full sun from about 11:00-4:00. Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you!

  7. arizonaplantlady@gmail.com
    arizonaplantlady@gmail.com says:
    April 6, 2018 at 1:01 pm

    Hello Gary,

    All bougainvillea should do very well in pots. However, you will want a large container that is at least 2-3 wide at the top and 2-3 feet tall. This enables enough soil for the shrub to grow while providing insulation from hot summer temperatures.

    I hope this helps!

  8. pam
    pam says:
    July 10, 2018 at 2:31 pm

    Hi, I’m wondering how big the glow torch was when you planted it in your father-in-laws yard. You said in the picture it is under 2 years old, was it a 5 gallon to start ? I have an 8ft by 4ft space, I’m wondering if I need one 5 gallon plant or 2 for the area.
    Thanks

  9. arizonaplantlady@gmail.com
    arizonaplantlady@gmail.com says:
    July 11, 2018 at 6:58 am

    Hello Pam,

    It was planted from a 5-gallon. They grow at a fairly fast rate and for your space, one should be enough. It will take about 3 years to fill the space, but if you plant two, they will crowd into each other and you will have to do a lot of pruning. I hope this helps!

Comments are closed.

Get My Free Guide to Gardening in the Desert

You’ll receive helpful tips from me in your inbox. I write these with you in mind to help you succeed in the desert garden. I will never share your information with anyone else, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Privacy Policy

Connect With Me!

  • Amazon
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

noelle-johnson-az-plant-ladyNoelle Johnson: AZ PLANT LADY®

Author, Horticulturist, Landscape Consultant & Lover of Blue Pots

Check out my popular online classes!

Have a Question? Search Past Posts

Want More Tips? Connect with me in my Facebook Group!

 

Shrub Pruning Booklet: Say “No” to ball, square & cupcake-shaped shrubs!

Spiral-bound pruning guide booklet for shrubs

Product of the Month: Leather Gardening Gloves

 

Spring is the busiest time of year for pruning plants. Are your hands ready? A good pair of leather gloves is really important. My Bamllum gloves have a good grip and offer great protection.

 

Amazon Disclosure

AZ Plant Lady, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.

Privacy & Policy, Disclaimer & Disclosure

 

“…and the desert shall rejoice and blossom.” Isaiah 35:1

© 2008-2025
Noelle Johnson
All Rights Reserved.

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn

Popular Classes and Membership Club

desert gardening 101 class logo

Shop for My Recommended Garden Products:

Sign-Up For My Free Guide to Gardening in the Desert!

I promise not to sell or share your email with anyone ever!

*Please note that I cannot answer individual gardening questions.

Privacy Policy

Order My Newest Book!

The Water-Smart Garden Book

My Award-Winning Book!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Noelle Johnson, aka, 'AZ Plant Lady' is a author, horticulturist, and landscape consultant who helps people learn how to create, grow, and maintain beautiful desert gardens that thrive in a hot, dry climate. She does this through her consulting services, her online class Desert Gardening 101, and her monthly membership club, Through the Garden Gate. As she likes to tell desert-dwellers, "Gardening in the desert isn't hard, but it is different."
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
© Copyright 2025 - azplantlady.com       Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Sitemap
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Pinterest
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to Youtube
Link to: Landscape No-No: What’s Wrong With This Plant? Link to: Landscape No-No: What’s Wrong With This Plant? Landscape No-No: What’s Wrong With This Plant?Bougainvillea-wrong-place Link to: Tagging Along… Link to: Tagging Along… landscape consultsTagging Along… Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT