Bougainvillea Plants

Surprisingly, Bougainvillea blooms best during the short daylight periods of winter but will sporadically bloom year round on new growth.  Growing season requires 60 degrees or warmer.  This makes it difficult for people in colder climates to get the maximum ornamental value of Bougainvillea unless it is greenhouse grown during winter months. Ours bloom heavily while hanging from ceiling rafters in the winter greenhouse! Bougainvillea's foliage is temperature sensitive below 50 degrees but the plant will survive down to the mid 30's with leaf drop.  Plants have been in an almost dark garage over winter and they have survived and refoliate the following spring. When doing this, cut all fertilization and greatly reduce watering. Another way of recommend growing Bougainvillea as a hanging basket plant. That makes it easy to take in and out as temperatures fluctuate. Remember to acclimatize any plant to lower light levels by gradual reduction of light if attempting to over winter in lower light conditions. It loves to be pruned occasionally which actually encourages new growth and therefore more potential bloom. We haven't really figured out the best fertilization program for them but have noticed that several sources have recommended a formulation similar to Hibiscus formulations of approximately 15-5-10.  Flowering is best forced by letting the plant dry to the point foliage shows wilting before watering thoroughly. This helps encourage the plant to bloom through stress reaction. Bougainvillea must receive full sunlight or bright light and must be grown in a well drained soil as it must be grown on the dry side.

		Bougainvillea Patio Tree
		B. Rosenka, ground cover

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