Tips on Bougainvillea Plant – When Pot Bound is Good

The Bougainvillea plant (boo-gin- vil’-eeah) is a strong-growing plant from South America. In Florida and California it is among the most showy plants with small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by large bracts creating a brilliant display. Easy to grow and lovers of sunshine. Click Here for More on Bougainvillea Care – Lighting, Watering, How To Care for them and and more!

Believe it or not some plants show their true colors when they are pot bound and the brilliant colored Bougainvillea is just one of those special plants. Bougainvillea will put on their best flower show when they are a little tight in the pots.

Bougainvillea Plant Grower Tip

Here’s a tip from Kellie Pilier who specializes in growing Bougainvilleas for the landscape trade.

When the Bougainvillea plant is planted in the landscape (they look great on a sunny patio on a trellis – check these out!) leave the plant in the growing container. Here’s how to plant them this way.

Carefully cut out the whole bottom of the pot. If that seems too difficult then cut some large holes about the size of a grapefruit around the whole pot.

Some landscapers simply cut large slits down the side of the pot. The downside of this is that sometimes the roots can be pinched and become weak.

Taking the time to cut holes in the pot will require the most time and effort but it will give the best blooming results.

Question: My bougainvillea is two years old and has never bloomed. Could you tell me what care it should receive? OEH, Texas.

Answer: Beginning in November keep bougainvillaea dry at the roots to ripen the wood. This vine can stand long periods of drought. In January prune the plant back to the main stem. Begin watering again and grow the plant with plenty of ventilation. A light feed of nitrogenous fertilizer should be applied occasionally during early spring and summer Bougainvillaea blooms best in full sun.

More on Bougainvillea Plant Care Here

Related Articles Of Interest:

• Bougainvillea Trellis – Patio Landscaping In Bright Colors
• Bougainvillea Baskets
• Bougainvillea Flowers
• 5 Ways To Use The Bougainvillea Plant