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
Track your Bougainvillea care schedule — pruning, feeding, and seasonal tasks
Start planning freeGrowing 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.
Log Bougainvillea in your garden — track growth, care, and harvests year after year
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