Tips and Tricks for Growing Bougainvillea

17.07.2024 - 13:13 / finegardening.com

Mention bougainvillea to almost anyone, and their first images may be of sun-drenched stucco walls festooned in the neon colors of the tropics. From beachside to desert to lush tropics, their exotic vibe proclaims, “I love warm weather!” In the relatively small Nyctaginaceae family, Bougainvillea is likely the best-known member, with Mirabilis (four-o’clock) and Abronia (sand verbena) being runners up. With bougainvilleas, the color is provided by papery bracts that enclose a small white bloom that is the true flower. Flowering occurs in cycles: as a burst of new growth matures, a bloom cycle begins, repeating many times over the course of a long, hot season. Learn the basics of growing bougainvillea here.

Zones: 9–11

Light: Minimum of half day of sun (4–6 hours); full sun for best color

Soil: Well-drained

Moisture: Infrequent, deep watering

Fertilizer: Minimal unless in containers

The many brilliant species and hybrids we enjoy today all trace their origins to tropical South America, notably Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. They have made their way around the tropical and subtropical world, and hundreds of selections have been made from Mexico to Thailand. The fact that they can do so well in the Southwest is no surprise. “Bougies” don’t just tolerate heat—they relish it, and even in our deserts, reflected heat from stone and concrete is taken in stride. They will easily flower with half days of sun, but full sun brings out their most brilliant hues. Once established, minimal irrigation is needed, with plants preferring an occasional deep soak and some significant drying in between. Fertilizer is seldom needed unless grown in containers.

Bougainvilleas are available in tall, vigorous forms as well as more manageable shrub