How to Grow Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea glabra
Bougainvillea is a vigorous tropical climber prized for its masses of colourful papery bracts. In the UK it must be grown in a container and overwintered in a frost-free spot. Plant in a loam-based compost with sharp drainage and place in the hottest, sunniest position available. Water freely in summer but allow the compost to dry between waterings — slight drought stress triggers heavier flowering. Feed monthly with a high-potash fertiliser. Prune after flowering to keep the plant manageable. Move indoors before the first frost and keep almost dry until spring.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed monthly with a high-potash fertiliser during the growing season. Stop feeding in autumn to encourage dormancy.
Watch For
- Aphids on new growth
- Mealybugs in leaf axils
- Leaf spot in damp conditions
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, hottest spot available
Needs the hottest, sunniest position you can offer. Against a south-facing wall is ideal. In shade it produces leaves but few or no colourful bracts.
Watering
Sparingly, allow to dry between waterings
Water freely in summer but allow compost to dry between waterings. Slight drought stress triggers heavier flowering. Almost dry in winter to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing
Monthly high-potash during growing season
Feed monthly with a high-potash fertiliser from spring through summer to promote bract production. Stop feeding in autumn to encourage dormancy.
Pruning
After flowering, shorten long shoots
Prune after flowering in late summer. Shorten long shoots by a third and remove dead or crossing branches. Hard pruning in spring is tolerated if overgrown.
Growing Tips
Stress it for more colour
Bougainvillea flowers best when slightly pot-bound and allowed to dry out between waterings. Overwatering and overpotting produce lush green growth at the expense of bracts.
Full sun is non-negotiable
This plant needs the hottest, sunniest spot you can offer. Against a south-facing wall is ideal. In shade it produces leaves but few or no bracts.
Overwinter cool and dry
Move indoors before the first frost. A cool conservatory or frost-free greenhouse at 5-10°C is ideal. Water sparingly — just enough to stop stems shrivelling. Some leaf drop is normal.
