Hello there! From my perspective as a Bougainvillea, the most important thing you can do for me is to give me plenty of sunshine. I am a sun-worshipper at heart. I need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight every single day to be truly happy. Without it, I simply won't have the energy to produce my vibrant, papery bracts (those colorful parts you love so much!). A south-facing spot is ideal. I also thrive in warmth. I'm not built for the cold. If temperatures dip below 40°F (4°C), I become very uncomfortable, and a frost will seriously harm me. If you live in a cooler climate, please consider planting me in a container so you can bring me indoors to a sunny window when winter arrives.
Watering is where many beginners get a little too enthusiastic. I have Mediterranean roots, which means I am quite drought-tolerant once I'm established. I prefer a good, deep drink followed by a period where my soil dries out almost completely. Think of it as a "feast or famine" cycle. If you keep my roots constantly soggy, I will develop root rot, which is a death sentence for me. A good rule of thumb is to stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. During my active growing season (spring and summer), I'll need more frequent watering, but in the winter, when I'm resting, please cut back significantly.
My roots need to breathe, so the soil you plant me in is crucial. I demand well-draining soil above all else. A standard potting mix is often too dense and retains too much moisture. I am much happier if you mix in some perlite, coarse sand, or even a bit of orchid bark to create an airy, fast-draining environment. This prevents water from pooling around my roots. If I'm in a pot, excellent drainage holes are non-negotiable. I don't need a huge pot; in fact, I tend to bloom more prolifically when my roots are slightly snug. Only repot me when I am truly root-bound, and even then, only move me up to a pot that is one size larger.
To put on my spectacular display of color, I need the right kind of nutrients. During my main growing and blooming season (spring through early autumn), I appreciate a regular feeding schedule. Look for a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus (the middle number on the fertilizer package), as this promotes blooming. A balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 or one labeled specifically for "bloom boosters" works well. Please feed me every few weeks during this period. However, in the late fall and winter, I am taking a rest. You should stop fertilizing me then, as I am not actively growing and the unused salts can build up in my soil.
Don't be afraid to give me a haircut! Pruning is essential for keeping me healthy and shapely. The best time to prune me is right after a flush of blooms has faded. My flowers appear on new growth, so pruning encourages me to branch out and produce even more color. You can be quite assertive; I can handle a hard pruning if needed to control my size or shape. You can train me to climb a trellis, spill over a wall, or be shaped into a standard tree form. Simply tie my young, pliable branches to a support structure with soft ties, guiding me as I grow. Regular, light pruning is far better for me than one severe pruning every few years.
