Caring for Bougainvillea: A Seasonal Guide for Growth and Pruning

Bougainvillea, with its vibrant and showy blooms, is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a splash of color and tropical beauty in their landscapes. To ensure the healthy growth and abundant flowering of this stunning plant, it’s important to provide proper care throughout the seasons. Here is a seasonal guide for the growth and pruning of bougainvillea.

In early spring, it is advisable to repot bougainvillea if necessary, using a clay-based compost like John Innes 3. This will provide a well-draining medium for the plant’s roots. If your bougainvillea is packaged, place it outdoors in a sunny spot, preferably with temperatures between 18-21°C (65-70°F) during the day and slightly cooler at night. These conditions will help promote vigorous growth.

As the weather warms up and the plants start growing vigorously, it is important to water them freely and feed them weekly with a high-nitrogen liquid feed. This will supply the necessary nutrients for healthy foliage and encourage continuous blooming.

When the bracts (the colorful modified leaves surrounding the small, inconspicuous flowers) begin to show color, switch to a high-potassium feed. Additionally, consider moving the plants to cooler conditions, ideally around 10°C (50°F), with good ventilation and protection from direct sunlight. This change in temperature and light exposure will encourage the bracts to mature and stay on the plant for a longer duration. Keep in mind that cooler conditions may cause the leaves to droop temporarily, so adjust watering accordingly.

When the flowering period comes to an end, usually in September, reduce the frequency of watering. Allow the plant to become slightly drier between waterings and stop feeding. From November onward, water the bougainvillea occasionally but thoroughly, ensuring the water reaches the root zone.

Maintain a minimum nighttime temperature of 10°C (50°F) during autumn and winter. Bougainvillea can be stored above freezing temperatures as long as the compost is kept relatively dry, but they may lose their leaves during this period.

Bougainvillea requires a trellis or pillar for support and can be trained as a standard or pruned with spurs to control its size. Since bougainvilleas bloom on the current season’s growth, it’s best to prune in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.

In the early season, bend and tie young, vigorous growing shoots to control their growth and stimulate bract formation. After the bracts have fallen, you can prune the long growth by half to encourage a second flush of bracts in late summer.

By following this seasonal guide, you can ensure the optimal growth and blooming of your bougainvillea. With proper care, your bougainvillea will continue to dazzle with its vibrant colors and transform your garden into a tropical paradise.