How to Grow Bougainvillea

Decide whether to plant in soil or in a pot. Bougainvillea thrives in hot, relatively dry environments. If you want to plant it outdoors year-round, it is best to plant in a region that can withstand Zone 9 or higher temperatures. If you live in a colder, wetter area, you can still grow bougainvillea by planting it in a pot and bringing it indoors during the winter months.

• Bougainvillea grows best when nighttime temperatures are above 16°C and daytime temperatures do not exceed 38°C.
• Bougainvillea can survive the winter in a basement or in a low-light area.

Find a sunny spot in your yard. Bougainvillea thrives in bright sunlight, growing best in a spot that is open and faces north (in the Southern Hemisphere) or south (in the Northern Hemisphere). The plant requires at least five hours of sunlight daily to grow vigorously.

Choose a location with well-draining, rich soil. Bougainvillea doesn't do well in overly moist soil, so ensure it drains properly. The soil should be nutrient-rich with slightly acidic properties, and a pH level between 5.5 and 6.0.

• Add lime to increase pH or sulfur to lower it when necessary.
• If planting in a pot, use a soil mix with the appropriate pH level.

Plant the bougainvillea. Dig a hole deep enough for the root ball. Add a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage root growth and promote abundant flowering. Remove the plant from the pot, wet the roots, and place them in the hole. Gently pack the soil around the base.

• If you want the bougainvillea to climb a fence or wall, plant it near the structure. Once it grows, gently guide the vine around the support by wrapping it carefully.
• For potted bougainvillea, choose a pot with plenty of drainage holes, as the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged roots.

Water moderately. Provide just enough water to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilize regularly. Feed the plant every few months to encourage abundant blooming. However, over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth, so if you notice the plant becoming too dense, reduce the fertilization.

• Most gardeners use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 1:1:1 or 2:1:2 ratio, not a high-phosphorus fertilizer during the initial planting. Organic or slow-release fertilizers work best.
• Make sure to fertilize at least once a year in early spring to help kick-start new growth.

Bring bougainvillea indoors during winter. If you live in a region with cold winters and your bougainvillea is in a pot, bring it inside when the season changes. Leaving it outside would expose the plant to harsh weather, which it can't survive.

Prune bougainvillea. Bougainvillea is a prolific bloomer and requires proper pruning to encourage flowering and maintain an attractive shape. After the blooming season, trim back a few centimeters to stimulate healthy growth for the next spring.

• Wear gloves while pruning. Some people may experience skin irritation when handling bougainvillea, similar to the effects of coming into contact with ivy.

Train and shape bougainvillea. The plant needs support to climb walls, fences, or other surfaces. If you'd like it to grow in a particular direction, you can hang parallel metal wires along the wall or fence you wish the plant to cover. Bend the bougainvillea branches and guide them behind these wires. Monitor its growth and make adjustments as necessary until the bougainvillea starts to spread across the surface.

• Avoid overwatering bougainvillea, as it can hinder blooming and may even lead to root rot, damaging the plant.
• Generally, bougainvillea is relatively resistant to pests. However, caterpillars, aphids, and moths can pose a threat.

• Wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning bougainvillea to protect your skin.

• Fertilizer with a high phosphorus content.