Hello, sun-seeker! We bougainvilleas are vibrant, sun-loving vines and shrubs known for our spectacular papery "blooms" (which are actually modified leaves called bracts). To help us thrive in the diverse climates of the United States, here is a guide from our perspective.
We are native to the warm, arid coasts of South America, so our most fundamental need is abundant sunlight. Please plant us in a location where we can bask in a minimum of six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day; a full day of sun is even better. Without it, we will become leggy and refuse to produce our colorful bracts. We also need warmth and protection from cold winds. We are not frost-tolerant, so in USDA zones 8 and below, we greatly prefer life in a container that can be moved indoors for winter.
Our roots despise being wet and cold. Excellent drainage is absolutely non-negotiable. Whether in the ground or in a pot, plant us in a slightly acidic to neutral, well-draining soil mix. A standard potting mix amended with perlite, sand, or pine bark is perfect. For in-ground planting, consider raising the bed or planting on a slope to ensure water flows away from our root ball. Crowding us with other plants that require constant moisture will make us very unhappy.
Once established, we are remarkably drought-tolerant. The key is a deep, thorough watering that saturates the root zone, followed by a period where the soil is allowed to dry out almost completely. Please, do not give us frequent, light sips of water. This leads to constantly moist soil, which will cause root rot and kill us. In winter, when we are dormant (especially for container plants brought indoors), water us very sparingly, just enough to prevent the soil from turning to dust.
To support our vigorous growth and prolific blooming, we are heavy feeders during our active growing season (spring through summer). Feed us monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) or a fertilizer formulated specifically for blooming plants, which will be higher in phosphorus (the middle number). However, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they will encourage an abundance of green leaves at the expense of our beautiful bracts. Cease feeding in late fall and winter to allow us to rest.
We flower on new growth. The best time to give us a major pruning is in late winter or early spring, just as we begin to show signs of new growth. This encourages a massive flush of new branches that will be covered in color. You can also lightly tip-prune us throughout the growing season to shape and encourage more branching. We can be trained on trellises, fences, and arbors, or pruned into free-standing shrubs or small trees. Always wear gloves, as most of us have sharp thorns!
