The bou∙gain∙vil∙lea is in the family of ornamental woody shrubs and vines, producing sensational brightly colored purple, red, and pink bracts that surround small flowers. Find out how to incorporate these showstoppers into your landscape.
Train this plant in a small convenient container or as a substantial tree, grow it vertically on a wall or trellis with graceful arches, or as a hedge, bush, or bonsai. The bougainvillea’s versatility is endless!
Bougainvilleas were discovered in the 1700’s along the coast of Brazil, so they work wonderfully in warm climates. What is tropical in the middle of summer if not Houston? Get the most out of these impressive bloomers with these quick tips.
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How to plant.
Bougainvillea thrives when its root system is crowded. For that reason, they work great in containers! But you can plant them in the ground as well. The size of your bougainvillea is only limited by the size of the container you select and your pruning preferences. They can even be grown in hanging baskets!
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Soil.
Be sure to use a high-quality potting soil mixed with compost and make sure your containers have plenty of holes to drain well.
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Sun and more sun.
It’s no surprise these plants love the sun since they originate from a tropical environment. They will perform best in an area that receives as much sunlight each day as possible.
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Water.
Bougainvilleas are not only drought-tolerant, but prefer to have dry soil in between waterings. You can soak the plant thoroughly each time you water, but wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again and make sure the containers are draining well.
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Fertilizer.
NutriStar for Bougainvilleas is ideal to promote heavy flowering and durability. You’ll want to apply the NutriStar Bougainvillea Food every two weeks or so during spring and then monthly in summer.
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Cutting back.
You can deadhead the spent blooms during growing season to encourage regrowth. Or, cut back your bougainvillea more significantly for added blooms.
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Cold-weather care.
Protect your bougainvillas from freezing temperatures by bringing them into the garage. In temperatures below 40 degrees, the bracts and leaves may wilt. Be sure to water those planted in the ground thoroughly before a freeze, and place frost cloth or a similar covering over them for added protection.
Stop by to see the beautiful selection of bougainvilleas we have in stock at the Garden Center. And don’t forget to pick up a high-quality soil and NutriStar Bougainvillea Food!
