\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Bougainvillea can be pruned and trained to grow in containers. The flowers are tiny, tubular and white, but they are protected by papery modified leaves called _bract_s that appear in a variety of spectacular colors, including scarlet, violet, royal purple and buttercup yellow. They are named for Admiral Louis A. de Bougainville, a French explorer (1729-1811) who discovered them in South America. Looking for a vibrant low-maintenance ground cover? Bougainvillea 'Juanita Hatten' offers bold fuchsia-pink flowers in summer and green leaves dotted in gold. But those same qualities make it useful as a ground cover in difficult-to-maintain parts of a property. The showy paper-like structures are a modified leaf called a bract. However, Bougainvilleas are best suited to USDA hardiness zones between 9 to 11. They grow effortlessly in mild winter areas of California, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and along the Gulf Coast, and can be grown in containers elsewhere. Visit our Bougainvillea 101 page for tips on how to winter-over your bougainvillea. What many people think of as the blooms of bougainvillea aren't actually blooms at all. It's also a survivor plant, known to tolerate drought, salt and winds. Place these woody vines in a site with full sun and well-draining soil. Wear gloves when pruning bougainvillea. This takes some special bougainvillea winter care and preparation for the plant to slumber during the cold season. Leaves generally turn brown or black from frost burn, eventually falling from the plants. Want to spice up a boring hanging basket or container? It thrives in dry conditions. Other: Giant-bract, slow-growing, thornless variety; tolerates high humidity climates, Zones: 9-11 Organic or slow-release fertilizers work best. By using our site, you agree to our. The Common Diseases Found in Bougainvillea, The Best Time to Transplant a Mature Bougainvillea, University of Florida IFAS: Bougainvillea, Clemson Cooperative Extention: Bougainvillea, North Carolina State Extension: Bougainvillea, Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests, Difference Between Mandevilla & Bougainvillea. Bougainvillea is a sun-lover and it will grow best in a full sun position, in the open, facing due North (in the southern hemisphere) and due South (in the northern hemisphere). You can stop watering them except during periods of drought. These vines are typically thorny (although there are thornless varieties) and range in size from 20 to 30 feet tall with an equal spread to tiny dwarfs that reach heights of 3 to 6 feet. It prefers full sun and acidic, well-drained soil. When looking for a home for your bougainvillea, think about how you plan to train it. If temperatures drop below 20F, you might have to move your plant indoors. Bloom Color: Pink and white, RELATED: Because they have sharp thorns, locate them several feet away from a walkway or other area of activity. Some suggest that the best growing mixture is a soil-less mix since these are free of weed seeds, disease pathogens and insect eggs. Prune after each bloom cycle for best results. To check, stick a finger into the soil up to your knuckle. The hardiest species is B. spectabilis , which is known to withstand temperatures down to about 20F. Because zone 8 doesnt often experience temperatures below 10F, you wont have to worry too much about winter damage. Since they're so fast-growing, it is easy to create tall topiary plants with minimal effort. Bougainvillea plants are tropical plants that thrive in hot, dry climates. A bougainvillea watering regimen follows the guideline of less is more. These plants do not like to sit in soggy soil, a condition that may cause the flowers to drop or the plants to cease blooming altogether. Fertilize your bougainvillea every month in spring and early summer. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you haven't had a significant show of blooms recently, try giving your plant a drought period by withholding water. 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. These vining shrubs require full sun and high light intensity to thrive and produce flowers. Bougainvillea is the answer! Although bougainvillea vines tolerate many types of soil, they prefer loamy soil that contains clay, sand, and silt in equal parts. Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. If you're planting the bougainvillea in a pot, choose a soil mix with the appropriate pH level. It prefers either full sun or light shade and grows best in acidic, well-drained soil. Height/Spread: 1-1/2 feet tall, 6 to 8 feet wide as ground cover It climbs to 20 feet. But this colorful climbing shrub has lots of surprising (and even amazing) characteristics. But this doesn't mean. Keep a close eye when growing next to buildings, as it may grow into cracks or under roofing and become destructive. Use soft straps to tie and train bougainvillea to its supporting structure. Ensure you locate it somewhere it can receive at least six hours of sun each day. Use strong ties to allow them to grow up to walls: these plants dont have tendrils to attach to surfaces on their own. These bracts hide the actual flowers inside, which are small and trumpet-shaped in whites and yellows. 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 pairs well with blues and bright pinks or can be used as a stand-alone specimen in planters. Pruning is part of the work if you are caring for bougainvillea in the garden. The most important data that the zone info tells us is average last frost and the lowest expected temperature for your area. The white flowers are larger than those of the spectabilis species, and the bracts are pointed and shaped like triangles. It prefers full sun and relatively dry, well-drained soil. Keep your eye out for dead wood and remove it as it appears. This article received 105 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. It can be shaped into hedges, upright bushes or as a "standard," a one-trunk, flowering tree. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The good news is that this showy and stunning plant thrives in warm weather. TALL (UP TO 30 FT. From climber to groundcover to container plant, vibrant bougainvillea fits the bill, Sign up for weekly gardening inspiration and design tips. If you cant find a fertilizer thats labeled specifically for bougainvilleas, look for one that is formulated for hibiscus plants. After this cycle is over, you can promote new growth and a period of repeat bloom by pruning or pinching your plant. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Tolerates light shade. Bougainvillea is native to Brazil, where the annual low temperature doesnt usually dip below 65 degrees Fahrenheit in Rio de Janeiro, for example. These plants put on a spectacular show of color in spring on their fresh new growth. If you are looking for a medium-sized bougainvillea for your landscape, consider one of these semi-dwarf varieties. You can also periodically trim rangy stems as needed throughout the year. Bougainvillea is hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11. To brighten a partially shaded area of your landscape, Sunvillea Cream may be just the answer. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. If you're thinking of planting a bougainvillea in your garden, be sure to allow plenty of room for it to spread and grow; some varieties reach 40 feet. In the U.S., they thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and above, but they also can be grown in protected areas of hardiness zone 9. 15 of the Best Flowering Vines for Fences, Arbors, and Trellises, 14 Perennial Flowering Vines to Take Your Garden to New Heights, 15 Container Garden Plants That Breeze Through Summer's Heat, Fall Bloom, Reblooming, Spring Bloom, Summer Bloom, Attracts Birds, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance. Since bougainvilleas are tropical natives, make sure they get plenty of sun! By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. When you plant bougainvillea in the garden, you need to learn the ins and outs of caring for bougainvillea vines. If you're using bougainvillea as an indoor houseplant, plant them in moist, well-draining potting soil and keep the plants mostly dry during winter. Double yellow blooms have a slight fragrance. Water your established plant every three to four weeks if you dont get regular rains in your region. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). If you live in the right climate, few climbing plants are easier to grow than bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.). To grow bougainvillea, plant it in well-draining soil in a sunny outdoor spot. In its dormant state, the plant responds beautifully to pruning and rewards you with more dense growth and colorful bracts. Bougainvillea plants thrive in cultivation in climates and conditions that mimic their native environment. "The sunburst of colors from the different kinds of bougainvilleas I see on sidewalks, fences, and along the streets. 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. Possibly ok, but a risky time to plant bougainvillea, Probably not a good time to plant bougainvillea. Zones: 10-11 Soil takes center stage here. Katherine Gohmann is a Professional Gardener in Texas. Add them to adequate soil: it must be loose and not too heavy. Some afternoon shade in extremely hot weather may be beneficial. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Frequent, short watering can result in a shallow and weak root system. The shrub's branching habit is looser and more open. These vines are typically thorny (although there are thornless varieties) and range in size from 20 to 30 feet tall with an equal spread to tiny dwarfs that reach heights of 3 to 6 feet. It's extremely popular in warm, dry climates where it can be used in a wide variety of ways. Miss Alice produces large flowering bracts on a semi-dwarf, compact shrub. Bougainvillea 'Sundown Orange' offers bracts that begin deep orange, fade to coral, and mature to salmon pink. larger in diameter than the root ball. When Winterizing a Bougainvillea is Necessary Bougainvillea is hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11. The plants thrive in USDA hardiness zone 10-11, and will also grow in zone 9 with adequate protection. Pruning your bougainvillea back after blooming will keep it in shape and stimulate more flowering. Just be sure to remember that USDA zone info for Zone 6b is just an average and the actual date of last frost can change quite a bit from year to year. They typically are well suited for growing in the soil as they may be too large for containers. Sign up for our newsletter. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. All Rights Reserved. I have found out through reading these instructions that I have over watered it. In fact, bougainvillea bloom better when the soil is fairly dry ,and you must let it dry out thoroughly between waterings. Eliminate old and unhealthy branches and trim the others to 20 feet or less. Some gardeners also experience skin irritation from the foliage. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Be sure to fertilize at least once a year, at the beginning of spring, to help the season's growth get underway. The leaves of this species are thin, and the bracts are magenta, fairly small and delicate. These fast-growing vines also are typically easy to train to grow on trellises, walls, and other supports. While they can stand on their own as upright shrubs, they will climb up any available support, including trees,. They work as perfect ground covers or climbing plants. Enter your zip code in the form below, and well tell you where you fall in the Arborday.org Hardiness Zones Database. Bloom Color: Gold to pink. Some varieties can handle part sun but won't perform as well as they could in full sun. The most common, especially in tropical areas where plants are hardy, is to allow these plants to climb walls and trellises. In warm regions, bougainvillea blooms almost year-round and thrives outdoors. You need to stick your finger into the soil up to the knuckle. Rich gold-colored flower-like bracts that age to a lovely pink. Overwintering bougainvillea indoors takes a bit more planning. ", ivy effect were so helpful. She currently divides her life between San Francisco and southwestern France. Bloom Color: Purple bracts with deep green foliage. Hydrangeas in zone 4: Which Variety to Grow in Zone 4, What Planting Zone is Illinois in? There, bougainvillea blooms for more than six months if planted in well-drained soil. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Height/Spread: 1 to 2 feet tall, 3 to 4 feet wide Give your bougainvillea a fertilizer thats specifically formulated for bougainvilleas, which will include micronutrients, such as iron, to promote plant health. Bougainvillea Pruning: When Should I Prune A Bougainvillea, Mini Bougainvillea Care: How To Grow A Dwarf Bougainvillea Plant, Bougainvillea Plant Pests: Learn More About Bougainvillea Loopers, How To Create A Whimsical Gnomecore Garden, Best Trees For Carbon Sequestration And Climate Change, Common Flowering Quince Diseases And Pests, What Is Black Canker Learn About Black Canker Treatment, Controlling Pine Tree Diseases Symptoms Of Pine Gall Rust Disease, What Is Bunch Disease Of Pecan: Tips On Treating Pecan Bunch Disease, Getting Climbing Hydrangea To Climb: How To Make A Climbing Hydrangea Climb, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. I work full-time as a foliage technician and am about to build a trellis inside 2 pots tomorrow. What are commonly called the flowers of a bougainvillea plant are actually the showy petal-like bracts that surround the tiny white or cream-colored true flower. Bougainvillea bract colors range from white to shades of pink, red, yellow and purple. Well-drained acidic soil is best for bougainvillea. Gloves and heavy sleeves are necessities when pruning bougainvillea, as most varieties have numerous thorns. Check the top and underside of the leaves for bugs, and use an insecticidal soap, insecticide, or oil to get rid of them. Botanical Name: Bougainvillea USDA Zones: 8-11 Minimum Cold Tolerance: 23 F or - 6 C Bougainvillea is a very common sight in warm climates. It blooms in summer and climbs 20 feet tall. Wear gloves and sleeve protectors when pruning. The container should be a couple of inches (5 cm.) This fast-growing plant is native to South America and is naturalized in many tropical countries in Africa and Asia. The biggest threat to bougainvillea plants in the garden is the appropriately named bougainvillea caterpillar. Irrigate only when the plants start to wilt and the soil is dry. I kept it in the pot and placed it facing south. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. Photo by: Eric Brown / Alamy Stock Photo. When cared for properly, this beautiful plant should return each year. However, northern gardeners will have a bit more work to keep this plant alive and happy during winter. For example, the lowest average temperature in Zone 2 is -50 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the minimum average temperature in zone 10 is +30 to +40 degrees Fahrenheit. What should I do? Bougainvillea are woody flowering shrubs that grow to 20 or 30 feet or more. To grow bougainvillea, plant it in full sun, slightly acidic and well-drained soil, and a relatively hot and dry climate. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. ", http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/OF-38.pdf, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/care-bougainvillea-plant-24303.html. With its almost year-round color from its beautiful bracts, bougainvillea is favored by gardeners as one of the best creeping plants or climbing plants in a landscape. Likewise, although most bougainvillea are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, there may be some exceptions. After studying botany and microbiology at Clemson University, Blackstone was a University of Georgia Master Gardener Coordinator. Photo by: Gurcharan Singh / Shutterstock. It blooms all summer and tolerates rain and high humidity. This article was co-authored by Katie Gohmann. Although generally quite disease resistant, bougainvillea plants may be troubled by aphids, leafminers, scale, snails & slugs, spider mites and whitefly. Lots of green leaves, but little colortoo much water. I now feel I can give it a good, "The flowers on our bougainvillea plants kept dying and falling off. Bougainvillea not flowering - Most of the time, no flowers means a lack of sunlight. As spring nears, gradually increase water. In general, the plant blooms best with direct sunlight and shorter days, which you might not be able to control. In such cases, having your plant in a container will be handy. Height/Spread: Up to 15 feet tall if supported; 1-1/2 feet tall and 8 feet wide as groundcover In areas colder than Zone 9, they are grown as annuals or container plants. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. However, it's especially effective scrambling up, over, and around the Mediterranean and Spanish . Flowering Vines It can withstand a light freeze, but deep freezes will kill the roots. Water your bougainvillea with a good soaking and then let it dry out. In Zone 6b the average date of last frost happens on April 15. In the wild, this creeper shrub prefers acidic soil and a very bright, sunny location. ", However, it began to wilt. Zones: 10-11 How to grow a bougainvillea vine is easy once you know the basics. Save severe cutbacks for a time after the bougainvillea has flowered. My leaves are curling up. How and When to Plant Bougainvillea In the garden, plant these South American natives 6 to 9 feet apart in well-draining soil and away from other plants to give them room to grow. This gorgeous vine is available in many colors including hot pink (my favorite) red, purple, lavender, yellow, orange, pale pink, white, and white with pink-tipped edges. It can be grown as an evergreen shrub and will bloom year around in frost free locations. I'm severely allergic to the ivy. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Part of the care for bougainvillea plants over winter is to keep them a touch on the dry side. Growing bougainvillea in gardens requires some effort, but many think that these tropical and subtropical woody vines are worth it. Bloom Color: Bronze-orange. The earliest that you can plant bougainvillea in Zone 6b is April. Bloom Time: Summer 12. The Plant Hardiness Zones divide the United States and Canada into 11 areas based on a 10 degree Fahrenheit difference in the average annual minimum temperature. Perennial in 9-11; can be grown as an annual in colder zones, or brought indoors over winter. Bougainvillea do best when night temperatures don't drop below 60F (16C) and daytime temperatures don't exceed 100F (38C). The amount and frequency of watering should be adjusted for your climate. It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'gardenloversclub_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',804,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-gardenloversclub_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'gardenloversclub_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',804,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-gardenloversclub_com-leader-1-0_1');.leader-1-multi-804{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Yucca What does it take to keep a bougainvillea happy in cultivation? Some species can tolerate lower temperatures. You can train bougainvilleas around the trellis, fences, or other structures. Once moved indoors, there are a few tips on successfully overwintering bougainvillea. Good bougainvillea winter care can ensure a healthy plant that will produce copious quantities of brightly colored flower bracts. Sign up for our newsletter. Bougainvilleas thorny nature can prove useful if grown as a security hedge. It blooms throughout the year in frost free areas and is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. It climbs to 30 feet. Gardeners know that tracking a cultivated plant's history can help you determine its ideal growing conditions, because, in nature, plants grow where they can thrive, rather than in a spot chosen by a gardener. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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