Caring for Your Bougainvillea

Bellflower Garden Center is well known for its stunning bougainvillea, and we are delighted to have developed quite a following because of them. When you take one of our beauties home, we want you to enjoy a successful growing experience.

ANATOMY

Although not technically part of the bougainvillea flower, modified leaves known as bracts surround the true flowers, which are quite small and typically white or cream. Bracts come in an array of bright hues and give bougainvillea their striking color. 

LIGHT

Full sun, partial sun or indirect bright light. The more sun you give your 

bougainvillea, the more it will bloom for you.

WATER

In warmer, sunny weather, water daily. In cooler weather, allow the soil to dry 

between water applications.

FERTILIZER

Bougainvillea are heavy feeders, and fertilizer encourages continuous bloom cycles. We recommend Nelson’s Bougainvillea Fertilizer or Osmocote as an acceptable alternative (follow package instructions). Water once a week with a general-purpose liquid fertilizer.

PLANTING

Bougainvillea perform well in pots, hanging baskets, and when planted in the ground. Container-grown plants will be constrained by the size of the container. In the ground, bougainvillea can grow 5-10 feet. Spring is ideal for planting in the ground so the roots have ample time to grow deeper. Wherever you choose to plant, well-draining soil is a must. 

BLOOMS

After your bougainvillea blooms out and drops its colorful bracts, snip the ends to encourage new blooms. After pruning, give your bougainvillea a healthy dose of fertilizer. Bougainvillea bloom cycles last approximately four to six weeks.

COOLER TEMPS

Bougainvillea love to continue blooming in the cooler days of fall. When the weather becomes cloudy and drops into the 40s, they will begin making the 

transition into dormancy. 

To protect in freezing weather: 

For plants in the ground, cover with row cover and/or heavy mulch. Move containers to an area where the temperature stays above freezing to protect the roots. Bougainvillea will survive in a dark space, like a garage, but will not bloom.