Bougainvillea care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Bougainvillea

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 3 days

Slightly dry conditions encourage blooming; as a guide, water thoroughly a day or two after the topsoil dries.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 5 days

As it cools, water less often, roughly a few days after the soil dries.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 10 days

It is nearly dormant, so as a guide water lightly about a week after the soil dries.

Light and placement for Bougainvillea

As a guide, give it all-day sun; it thrives in full summer sun, the colorful bracts do not develop in low light, and in winter it wants a sunny window.

Overwintering Bougainvillea

Overwintering guide: 3°C (37°F) or above

Tender to cold: as a guide, move it to a sunny window indoors when nights fall below about 5°C; it may drop leaves and leaf out again in spring, and it is kept on the dry side over winter.

Fertilizing and repotting Bougainvillea

Fertilizer

As a guide, a modest dose of slow-release fertilizer every month or two from April to October and none in winter; too much nitrogen gives leaves instead of flowers.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Bougainvillea

• Too much water and fertilizer produce leaves but no flowers.
• Left outdoors into autumn, it is killed by frost.
• Breaking up the roots at repotting makes it wilt and decline.

Tips for growing Bougainvillea

• The roots are fragile, so repot without disturbing the root ball, in warm weather from May to July.
• Cut spent shoots back short and the next flush of bracts forms on the new growth.
• Wear gloves when handling it because of the thorns.

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