Bougainvillea Blue Berry Ice

Description

🌞 Light & Location

• Full Sun: Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom well and show its best color. (Troys Tropics)
• Works great in containers on balconies, patios, or in the garden where it gets bright light. (Troys Tropics)

🌱 Watering

• Water deeply but infrequently.
  Let the top inch (2–3 cm) of soil dry out before watering again. Bougainvilleas dislike constantly wet soil and can suffer root rot if overwatered. (Troys Tropics)
• Once well-established, they’re drought-tolerant and can cope with dry spells. (Troys Tropics)

🪴 Soil & Potting

• Well-draining soil is essential. Use a mix with good drainage (e.g., garden soil + sand/perlite). (Serres Lavoie)
• In containers, ensure good drainage holes so water doesn’t sit in the pot. (Troys Tropics)

🌿 Fertilizer

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth and flowering. Some growers prefer a formula slightly higher in phosphorus (middle number) to encourage blooms. (Troys Tropics)
• In containers, feeding every few weeks during the active season helps maintain vigor.

✂️ Pruning & Training

• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and promote more blooms. (Troys Tropics)
• If you want a compact plant or train it on a trellis, prune more moderately in early spring before new growth starts. (Troys Tropics)
• Be mindful: bougainvilleas have thorns, so wear gloves and protective clothing when pruning.

🌡️ Temperature & Climate

• Ideal in warm, frost-free climates (roughly USDA zones 9–11). (Troys Tropics)
• In cooler areas, bring container plants inside or protect them during cold spells; they are not frost-tolerant. (Troys Tropics)

🌼 Blooming Tips

• Plenty of sunlight and slight dryness between waterings often encourages more blooms. (The Times of India)
• Avoid overfertilizing with high nitrogen fertilizer (promotes leaves but not flowers).

🐞 Pests & Common Issues

• Generally tough and low-maintenance. Occasionally aphids, spider mites, or caterpillars may appear—treat with appropriate organic or mild pesticide measures if necessary.

🌟 Quick Checklist

✅ Full sun
✅ Well-draining soil
✅ Deep, infrequent watering
✅ Feed during growing season
✅ Prune after blooms
✅ Protect from frost