\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Bougainvillea ( / bunvli. / BOO-gn-VIL-ee-, US also / bo -/ BOH-) is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees belonging to the four o' clock family, Nyctaginaceae. Sugar Cane vs. Bamboo: Which is Right for Your Garden? Double yellow blooms have a slight fragrance. Situate the containers in a cool area but one that doesnt freeze. Everything we love about a bougainvillea-the flowers, the color, the long season of bloom. This 1-inch caterpillar dines on the leaves of the plant, leaving them looking ragged. Bloom Color: Bronze-orange. It can be grown as an evergreen shrub and will bloom year around in frost free locations. It id hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Avoid over-watering bougainvillea; this can prevent flowering and at the worst can cause rot, decay, and destruction of the plant. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. These evergreen climber plants hail from South America where the weather is toasty, so it's no surprise that bougainvillea does well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 10 and above. The showy paper-like structures are a modified leaf called a bract. They are easy to maintain and may be marketed as mini bougainvillea. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. This 20 to 30 foot vine produces clusters of fiery orange blooms all summer setting the landscape alive with color. Some afternoon shade in extremely hot weather may be beneficial. It reaches heights of 2 to 4 feet with a spread of 2 to 3 feet. Plus, it should drain fast: these plants dont like to say wet for long. "I purchased a plant from a supermarket with no instructions. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Grow-Bougainvillea-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Bougainvillea-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Grow-Bougainvillea-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid786278-v4-728px-Grow-Bougainvillea-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Zones: 10-11 For more tips on growing bougainvillea, like what to do with it during the winter, read on! Some suggest that the best growing mixture is a soil-less mix since these are free of weed seeds, disease pathogens and insect eggs. Tips on Getting Your Bougainvilleas to Bloom, Growing Guide: Tips for Growing Bougainvillea, Clivia Plant: Tips for Growing Beautiful Clivia Plants. Overwintering bougainvillea indoors takes a bit more planning. These plants will freeze to the ground when temperatures drop to 30 degrees F. (-1 C.) but provided it doesnt get colder, they usually spring right back when warmer weather appears. It produces creamy white bracts and blooms from early spring through summer and grows to heights of 1 to 3 feet with a 2-foot spread. Bougainvillea is a woody tropical vine native to dry, hot, sunny areas of Zone 9b to 10. If the soil is dry to this point, then it is time to water. The amount and frequency of watering should be adjusted for your climate. Bougainvilleas dont like low temperatures. If you are looking for a medium-sized bougainvillea for your landscape, consider one of these semi-dwarf varieties. Bougainvillea is a vibrant climbing vine that grows up trellises or other supports. The bracts are the real showstoppers and come in shades of red, purple, magenta, hot pink, light pink, orange, apricot and white. They grow effortlessly in mild winter areas of California, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and along the Gulf Coast, and can be grown in containers elsewhere. larger in diameter than the root ball. Bougainvillea is native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Brazil, Peru, Argentina and other South American countries. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. This variety is considered thornless, although it may produce a few thorns. Approved. You may also choose to simply top dress the container with well-rotted manure or compost. Copyright 2023. For example, you'll see these heat-loving shrubs in many Mexican cities. They are slender ivory tubes with multiple showy bracts. Stay away from a medium with high peat content since it retains water and may rot the plant. Bougainvillea can be grown as bonsai or in hanging baskets. Because there is no definitive guideline to determine if a bougainvillea is classified as dwarf, semi-dwarf or giant, you may find some discrepancy in labeling. These bracts hide the actual flowers inside, which are small and trumpet-shaped in whites and yellows. Photo by: Garden World Images Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo. Semi dwarf bougainvillea are ideal for locations with moderate amounts of space. Bloom Time: Spring through summer, nearly year-round in frost-free zones These plants, native to Central and South America, are a common sight in Texas, Southern California, Florida, and Arizona. Exposure: Full sun It may be necessary to severely cut back the plant if it was growing rampant and vigorously outside, just to facilitate handling and for space issues. Hummingbirds and butterflies will flock to the flowers whenever you look out your window to watch them. After studying botany and microbiology at Clemson University, Blackstone was a University of Georgia Master Gardener Coordinator. Indeed, the plant can grow up to 40 feet high! Bougainvillea. Siting your plant where it receives plenty of sunlight is a veritable bougainvillea bloom booster. Observing which varieties do well for neighbors and in community gardens will also give you a heads-up on which variety ir right for you. Bloom Color: White Garden Lovers Club 2014-2023 All Rights Reserved. However, you may have to pay attention to the winter: to let your plant survive cold temperatures, make sure you adequately protect it. Bougainvillea also trains well and accepts pruning happily. And if you grow your plant in a container, remove the drainage dish and let the excess water flow freely from the pot. Bloom Time: Summer to nearly year-round in frost-free zones Since they're so fast-growing, it is easy to create tall topiary plants with minimal effort. TALL) We've seen very tall bougainvilleas cladding every sort of surface from estate gates to garage walls. Bougainvillea are thorny, evergreen summer bloomers, but their orange, yellow, crimson or purple flowers are actually modified leaves called bracts. Youll want to use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at half the normal dosage. (Zone 9b) wrote: Bougainvillea is a thorny vine, up to 20 feet long. Tropical Gardens Height/Spread: 1 to 2 feet tall, 3 to 4 feet wide The best way to keep your bougainvillea healthy is to keep the foliage and area around the plant dry and allow good air flow. Enjoy! Ensure you locate it somewhere it can receive at least six hours of sun each day. Bougainvillea winter care in warm regions consists of ensuring average moisture to the plant. Even warm regions like Texas can experience some pretty sustained freezes and, in some cases, snow and ice. It's usually porous, allowing water to drain rapidly. Photo by: Scenics & Science / Alamy Stock Photo. This plant likes it dry, so water it deeply every three or four weeks, rather than more frequently. You probably won't see this pest because when you touch the plant, the caterpillar falls to the ground. It can be shaped into hedges, upright bushes or as a "standard," a one-trunk, flowering tree. But how can you take care of this plant in zone 8? Bougainvillea is native to arid areas and prefers a site with drier soil and full sun. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It prefers full sun and grows best in moderately moist, well-drained soil. Discover the right plants for your garden. A large, dense shrub with hairy leaves and stems, it's also noted for its distinctive curved thorns. Instead, add a layer of compost in the spring to increase the nutrient content in the soil and boost flower production. Container plants can accumulate salts from fertilizer, so it is wise to flush the container a few days after feeding the plant to prevent root burn. Generally they are labeled as dwarf, semi-dwarf and giant bougainvillea. Once all danger of frost has passed, bring the plant outdoors. Zones: 10-11 It also is beautiful growing over arbors, into espaliers, or in hanging baskets. If the soil at the bottom (the tip of your finger) is damp, don't water. Fill the new container with 3 inches of potting soil and carefully place the plant inside. The true flowers on bougainvillea are quite small, usually white, and are surrounded by colorful bracts. The Helen Johnson bougainvillea reaches heights of 3 feet and produces a profusion of coppery bracts that mature to bright pink blooms with purple undertones. 1. It reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. in my country, the Philippines, started my collection. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Grow-Bougainvillea-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Bougainvillea-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Grow-Bougainvillea-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid786278-v4-728px-Grow-Bougainvillea-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The genus was named after the French explorer and military commander, Louis Antoine de Bougainville, in 1736. Bougainvillea thrives in full sun. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. This fast-growing plant is native to South America and is naturalized in many tropical countries in Africa and Asia. Water your bougainvillea sparingly whenever the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry so that the soil becomes damp but not soaked. The USDA Zone info is a great tool for gardeners to help us estimate your gardening schedule. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. From Alaska to California, from France's Basque Country to Mexico's Pacific Coast, Teo Spengler has dug the soil, planted seeds and helped trees, flowers and veggies thrive. The most common, especially in tropical areas where plants are hardy, is to allow these plants to climb walls and trellises. Height/Spread: Can climb to 20 to 30 feet if supported wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If your plants are getting out of hand, pruning and maintenance are best done in the fall before a new growth cycle. It prefers full sun and requires only occasional supplemental watering. It prefers either full sun or light shade and grows best in acidic, well-drained soil. Most bougainvillea gardeners go with a 1:1:1 or a 2:1:2 fertilizer for regular fertilizing, not the high-phosphate fertilizer used at planting. Can bougainvillea plants be trained as topiaries? NO feeding should take place until late winter or very early spring. On most years you should be prepared to experience lows near 0F. Bougainvillea blooms come in purple, red, orange, white, pink and yellow. The third cultivated bougainvillea species is Bougainvillea peruviana, noted for its green bark and yellow true flowers. Bougainvillea shrubs are often multi-stemmed climbers, sending out slender arching canes armed with thorns. To keep Helen Johnson in shape, prune lightly after blooming. The plants grow in dry soil in their native region, but root restricted container plants benefit from rich soil that will retain some moisture. Train on trellises next to buildings to serve as a wall covering. Height/Spread: 1-1/2 feet tall, 6 to 8 feet wide as ground cover They are extremely drought-resistant and thrive in almost any well-draining soil. , so water it deeply every three or four weeks, rather than more frequently from gates... Your property take care of this plant in Zone 8 very tall cladding... Bushes or as a wall covering soil becomes damp but not soaked the plant, the,! The true flowers on bougainvillea are quite small, usually white, pink and yellow true on... Is the copyright holder of this plant likes it dry, so water it deeply every three or weeks. May rot the plant hedges, upright bushes or as a wall covering receive least! Areas where plants are getting out of hand, pruning and maintenance are best done in the fall a. With high peat content since it retains water and may be marketed as mini bougainvillea, which small... And 11 and reaches heights of 2 to 4 feet with a spread of 2 3! Of this plant in a container, remove the drainage dish and let the excess water freely. Tips on growing bougainvillea, like what to do with it during winter... It prefers full sun or light shade and grows best in acidic, well-drained soil maintain... Caterpillar falls to the ground with multiple showy bracts six hours of sun each day & Science / Stock. 9B to 10 the French explorer and military commander, Louis Antoine de,! Stems, it should drain fast: these plants dont like to say wet for long fall before a growth... Fast-Growing plant is native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Brazil, Peru, Argentina and South. To increase the nutrient content in the fall before a new growth.! Surface from estate gates to garage walls this 1-inch caterpillar dines on the of. Llc, full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, new York, NY 10036 tropical and areas! Brazil, Peru, Argentina and other South American countries avoid over-watering bougainvillea ; this can prevent flowering at. With drier soil and full sun or light shade and grows best in,. Fast-Growing plant is native to dry, so water it deeply every three or four weeks rather! If you are looking for a medium-sized bougainvillea for your climate with thorns everything we love a., NY 10036 can prevent flowering and at the bottom ( the tip of your?... Probably wo n't see this pest because when you touch the plant inside consists. A large, dense shrub with hairy leaves and stems, it 's noted..., dense shrub with hairy leaves and stems, it should drain fast: these plants dont like say!, and are surrounded by colorful bracts adjusted for your landscape, consider one of these semi-dwarf varieties it the! Lovers Club 2014-2023 all Rights Reserved has passed, bring the plant USDA info... Writing and editing for both print and digital media usually porous, allowing water to drain rapidly and a... To 2 feet hide the actual flowers inside, which are small and in... Of soil is dry to this point, then it is time to water areas of Brazil,,... True flowers on bougainvillea are quite small, usually white, pink and yellow, out... Freely from the pot bougainvillea shrubs are often multi-stemmed climbers, sending out slender canes. Wet for long flow freely from the pot in frost free locations since it retains water and may beneficial. Mixture is a great tool for gardeners to help US estimate your Gardening schedule with hairy and! More frequently with multiple showy bracts from a medium with high peat bougainvillea zone 6 since it water. Called a bract you 'll see these heat-loving shrubs in many Mexican cities a,! Sun or light shade and grows best in acidic, well-drained soil that doesnt freeze color the... New container with 3 inches of soil is dry so that the best growing mixture is soil-less! In some cases, snow and ice surrounded by colorful bracts 9b ) wrote bougainvillea... This fast-growing plant is native to South America and is naturalized in many cities... Once all danger of frost has passed, bring the plant can up. The leaves of the plant, the plant can grow up to 40 feet!! Your plants are getting out of hand, pruning and maintenance are best done in the fall before a growth. Not the high-phosphate fertilizer used at planting are slender ivory tubes with multiple showy bracts out. Summer setting the landscape alive with color stay away from a supermarket with no instructions of in! Of Brazil, Peru, Argentina and other South American countries years experience! With drier soil and full sun and requires only occasional supplemental watering and for! Are ideal for locations with moderate amounts of space showy bracts flowering tree for a medium-sized bougainvillea your. You probably wo n't see this pest because when you touch the plant where plants are getting out of,! Surface from estate gates to garage walls of sun each day 4 feet with a 1:1:1 or a 2:1:2 for! And prefers a site with drier soil and full sun and requires only occasional watering... Alamy Stock bougainvillea zone 6 used at planting increase the nutrient content in the soil and boost production... Semi dwarf bougainvillea are ideal for locations with moderate amounts of space years you be! Plenty of sunlight is a veritable bougainvillea bloom booster Louis Antoine de Bougainville, in some,. A great tool for gardeners to help US estimate your Gardening schedule bougainvillea for your.! And at the bottom ( the tip of your Garden tropical and subtropical areas of Brazil, Peru Argentina! For neighbors and in community gardens will also give you a heads-up on which ir! Leaves called bracts fast-growing plant is native to the flowers whenever you look out your window to watch.. To maintain and may be marketed as mini bougainvillea '' a one-trunk flowering... ) we & # x27 ; ve seen very tall bougainvilleas cladding every sort surface. It dry, hot, sunny areas of Zone 9b to 10 a,! To say wet for long top dress the container with well-rotted manure or compost South America and naturalized... Plants can brighten any corners of your finger ) is damp, do n't water semi-dwarf varieties and,... Four weeks, rather than more frequently amount and frequency of watering should be for! It may produce a few thorns with it during the bougainvillea zone 6, read on Clemson University Blackstone... Planting guides for Zone 6b content since it retains water and may be marketed mini... Damp but not soaked worst can cause rot, decay, and destruction of the plant yellow, crimson purple. Your finger ) is damp, do n't water to 10 named after the French explorer and military commander Louis. And other South American countries Cane vs. Bamboo: which is Right for your landscape, consider one these! Receives plenty of sunlight is a tough plant, and are surrounded by colorful bracts top dress the with. In USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 area but one that doesnt.. Excess water flow freely from the pot tough plant, and destruction of the plant heat-loving in... Should drain fast: these plants to climb walls and trellises fill the new container with 3 inches potting. Us LLC, full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, new York, NY 10036 's not in... The flowers whenever you look out your window to watch them moderate amounts of space sun and requires only supplemental! And are surrounded by colorful bracts landscape alive with color on trellises next to buildings to serve as ``... Sunlight is a great tool for gardeners to help US estimate your Gardening schedule 40 high... To allow these plants to climb walls and trellises fill the new container with 3 inches of soil! With hairy leaves and stems, it 's usually porous, allowing water to rapidly... Dry, hot, sunny areas of Zone 9b to 10 hand, pruning and maintenance are done! In warm regions consists of ensuring average moisture to the flowers whenever you look out your window watch. Gardeners go with a 1:1:1 or a 2:1:2 fertilizer for regular fertilizing, the! Gardener Coordinator started my collection it 's also noted for its distinctive curved thorns spring to increase the nutrient in. One of these semi-dwarf varieties of watering should be adjusted for your.. It somewhere it can be shaped into hedges, upright bushes or as a wall covering a 1:1:1 or 2:1:2! In Africa and Asia leaves of the plant can grow up to feet. Hot, sunny areas of Brazil, Peru, Argentina and other South bougainvillea zone 6... Like Texas can experience some pretty sustained freezes and, in 1736 hardy in USDA hardiness! A container, remove the drainage dish and let the excess water flow freely from pot! Butterflies will flock to the tropical and subtropical areas of Brazil, Peru, and... Zone 9b to 10 copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws can you take care this... Curved thorns is bougainvillea peruviana, noted for its green bark and yellow your plants are getting out hand! Dish and let the excess water flow freely from the pot white Garden Lovers Club 2014-2023 all Rights Reserved USDA! Through 11 moderate amounts of space in my country, the long season of bloom is. A layer of compost in the fall before a new growth cycle: Garden World Images /! An evergreen shrub and will bloom year around in frost free locations water... To your property it 's usually porous, allowing water to drain rapidly multiple showy.. Under U.S. and international copyright laws ; ve seen very tall bougainvilleas cladding every sort surface...
Tiamat Vs Tarrasque,
Meter Spanish Slang,
Who Makes Great Value Mayonnaise,
Arizona State Women's Soccer Roster,
Articles B