Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea · Nyctaginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Bougainvillea is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- May to October
- Adult size
- 1 to 3 m in height depending on variety
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (minimum 0 to 5°C)
- Origin
- South America (Brazil)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light, slightly acidic to neutral
Care
Light exposure
Your bougainvillea needs maximum direct light (at least 6 hours of sun daily) for generous flowering. Place it in a very sunny spot, ideally south-facing. In shade, flowering will be sparse and the plant will become leggy.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer) by letting the substrate dry slightly between waterings. Drastically reduce watering in winter to encourage flowering. Excess water harms the plant and causes root rot.
Fertilising
Apply a balanced or phosphorus-rich fertiliser once a month from spring to end of August to support flowering. Reduce or stop feeding in autumn-winter. Too much nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and structure
Prune lightly after flowering (November-December) to thicken branching and remove dead branches. You can also pinch young stems in spring to encourage branching. Avoid hard pruning which reduces future flowering.
Soil
Use a light, well-drained substrate (horticultural compost + perlite or sand). Your bougainvillea dreads stagnant moisture. In pots, ensure good drainage with drainage holes.
Diseases and pests
Watch for red spider mites and mealybugs in dry conditions. Excess humidity promotes fungal diseases. Ventilate regularly and clean the leaves. If problems occur, isolate the plant and treat with suitable solutions.
Did you know?
The bougainvillea is named after French navigator Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, who discovered this plant in South America in the 18th century. The colourful elements you admire are not the true flowers, but bracts (modified leaves) vibrating in pink, red, orange or violet, while the tiny true flowers are white and hidden at the centre.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.