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How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Bougainvilleas
Bougainvilleas are a brightly flowering tropical vine plant that are native to the area around Brazil. With their rich variety of colors and easy-care habits, these flowering vines make a great addition to any sunny garden.
Steps
- Choose a sunny spot in your garden. Bougainvilleas will need 6-12 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Prepare your soil: make sure it’s well-draining and slightly acidic, and amend with some organic matter to give your bougainvillea the nutrients it needs to thrive.
- Dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the pot that your bougainvillea is in. Make sure the hole is deep enough so that the top of the pot is just level with the ground.
- Fill the bottom of the hole with some of the amended soil, then place the bougainvillea in the hole. Fill the hole with more of the amended soil, and firm it down so that the bougainvillea is secure.
- Water the bougainvillea regularly to help it get established, then move to a regular watering schedule of once or twice a week. In hot summer weather, water more often.
- Fertilize your bougainvillea every 4-6 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the package for dosage.
- Pruning your bougainvillea is essential for promoting bushiness and helping keep its shape. Prune back the shoots that extend beyond the shape and framework of the bougainvillea. If it’s getting too large, you can trim off any wayward shoots.
- Cover the area around the bougainvillea with mulch. This will help keep the soil moist and reduce weeds.
Tips
- Bougainvilleas can be sensitive to overwatering and can develop root rot if not given enough drainage.
- Bougainvilleas prefer drier conditions in winter. Only water if the soil feels completely dry.
- Bougainvilleas are heavy feeders, so make sure to fertilize regularly.
- Bougainvilleas can be invasive in some areas, so be sure to check with your local gardening authorities before planting.