Native to South America, Barbara Karst paper flower (Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Barbara Karst') is a strong, upright-growing, woody tropical vine that features abundant masses of deep magenta red flowers (bracts). The impressive colors of this climber are the result of the three bracts that surround each cluster of flowers. In their middle is the actual slim, yellow, tubular flower that usually lasts for only a few days—unlike the bracts, which last for weeks.

The stems have short thorns and dull, wavy-edged green leaves. They do not cling or twine and may require tying to a support. This plant can be kept in a container for years, rotating indoors during the winter months in a brightly lit window for continual bloom. It can reach a height of 20 feet and a width of 4 to 6 feet and is hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11.