How to Grow and Care for Bougainvillea
About Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra) grows 10 to 20 feet tall and is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. It grows best in full sun to part sun with medium water.
Bougainvillea is a heat-loving woody highly decorative plant that is often grown as an annual or as a perennial container plant. Bougainvillea may assume the form of a shrub or vine. Although Bougainvillea has small flowers of cream/tan, gold/yellow, or white the primary feature of the plant are colorful bracts that develop from modifications of the first leaves. The bracts are available in pink, red, or purple. Bougainvillea are limited to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a-11b. The plants require full sun and an acidic soil mixture. Bougainvillea grows from 10 ft-20 ft. x 6 -10 ft. in width. The plant has thorn-like appendages. The leaves are glossy, smooth, and showy arranged in an alternate pattern. Bougainvillea is native to Brazil and Peru and naturalized in Hawaii and parts of Texas and Florida. Bougainvillea is primarily used in containers on a patio or near the pool or as barriers or borders in drought-tolerant gardens or in pollinator gardens.
When to Plant Bougainvillea
Plant bougainvillea outdoors in spring once frost danger has passed. Outside zones 9 to 11, grow it in a container and move it indoors for winter.
How to Plant Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea requires full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day), a mildly acidic soil mixture (pH less than 6) rich in organic matter with good drainage. Bougainvillea is propagated from seeds and stem cuttings. 6 to 12 feet should be allowed between plants.
Bougainvillea Care
Bougainvillea should occasionally be allowed to become dry. Otherwise, Bougainvillea should receive supplemental watering in the warm temperatures that it requires. When grown as a vine Bougainvillea will require staking.
Fertilizing Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea plants require phosphate and nitrogen to flower. A slow-release balanced fertilizer works best with a small amount of chelated iron as a 6-8-10 mixture with chelated iron is recommended.
Pruning Bougainvillea
Spent flowering bracts may be removed at any time. If hard pruning is needed the blades of the hand pruner and loppers should be soaked in 1 part bleach and 9 parts water for 30 minutes. All old wood in the center of the bougainvillea should be removed marking cuts at the branch collars. Cut out all dead, damaged, or dying branches.
Bougainvillea Pests and Diseases
The Bougainvillea Looper caterpillar is green or brown in color, 1 inch long, and feeds at night. Spider mites may cause leaves to drop. Leafminers, beetles, and wasps may damage leaves. Leafminers and beetles may be treated with an insecticide spray. Read the label and follow all instructions concerning the effective and safe use of insecticide sprays.
Is Bougainvillea Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Bougainvillea is not on the ASPCA’s toxic plant list, but its sap can irritate skin and its thorns can injure pets. The PlantTAGG profile lists it as not pet-friendly. If you think a pet has eaten a toxic plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Bougainvillea FAQs
Why is my bougainvillea not blooming?
Too much water, too much nitrogen or too little sun reduces blooms. Bougainvillea flowers best in full sun with slightly dry soil.
How often should I water bougainvillea?
Water deeply when the top few inches of soil are dry. Established plants are drought tolerant.
When should I prune bougainvillea?
Prune after a bloom cycle or in late winter to shape it. It flowers on new growth.
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