Bougainvillea

No plant is more evocative of the Deep South than the bougainvillea. In that hot, humid region it grows rampantly outdoors and turns fence railings and doorways into masses of blossoms. In our climate, the bougainvillea is not hardy over the winter but is very effective for adding vibrant color to your patio pots and hanging baskets.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT & TEMPERATURE:

Bougainvilleas are tropical plants that thrive in areas outdoors with low rainfall and intense heat.  For maximum blooming, they need direct sunlight for at least 5 hours per day.  For best results, night temperatures should stay above 60°F (15°C) while daytime temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C) without ill effect. Bougainvillea thrives in Hardiness Zones 9 (we are Zone 5) and up, but can be enjoyed seasonally in colder zones as long as they are protected and brought indoors during winter months. When treated as annuals, bougainvillea can be wintered over in basements or other cool and lower light areas.

WATERING: The amount of watering needed is directly related to the climate, soil type, plant size and weather conditions. However, there are some guidelines you can use.  Bougainvilleas are drought-tolerant plants, and require very little water once established. Bring the soil to visual dryness between waterings.  Wilting is the last indicator to use to alert that watering is needed.  Take care not to let your bougainvillea get bone-dry, as this will cause bracts and foliage to drop.  When it is time to water, do it thoroughly. Avoid constant, light, and frequent watering as this will promote a weak and shallow root system and prevent any major coloring on your bougainvillea. Be careful not to allow your bougainvillea to sit in water as this may cause bracts to drop or stop blooming altogether.  If your bougainvillea is grown in a pot – make sure drainage holes are unobstructed, and toss out that saucer...bougainvillea do not like wet feet!

FEEDING: During flowering, use a high-phosphorus (high middle number) fertilizer according to product directions. Taper off feeding when the plant ceases flowering.

PRUNING & PINCHING: Pruning and pinching are important techniques to promote the greatest growth and flowering - as bougainvillea only bloom on new growth. The best time to prune or pinch is after the flush of color or flowering cycle is completed.  Flowering cycles are typically four to six weeks when the light levels are roughly equal between night and day. Pruning is important not only for shape but for strength as well since bougainvillea tend to grow outward without creating branches unless their stems are pruned. They can be pruned hard if growth is excessive. Pinching is the method of removing the soft tips of young plant stems to encourage fuller growth. You can do this with a pair of garden shears, or by using your fingers to pinch off ½ inch from the tip of new soft growth. Bougainvillea will send out several new stems just below the pinched tip.  The more regularly you pinch, the more your bougainvillea will branch and bloom!