Description

🌺 Bougainvillea – Description & Care Guide

🌿 Description

Bougainvillea is a vibrant, fast-growing tropical climber loved for its colorful bracts (modified leaves) that appear like flowers. True flowers are tiny, white, and present at the center of the bracts. It is widely grown as a hedge, climber, bonsai, or potted ornamental plant.

Key Features

• Botanical name: Bougainvillea spectabilis / glabra hybrids
• Type: Evergreen climber/shrub
• Height: 3–12 m depending on variety
• Colors: Red, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple
• Growth habit: Vigorous, thorny vines; excellent for trellises and arches
• Flowering season: Almost year-round in tropical climates
• Special traits: Drought-tolerant, sun-loving, low maintenance

🌱 Bougainvillea Care Guide

☀️ Light

• Requires full sun (6–8 hours daily) for heavy flowering.
• Low light = green growth but fewer blooms.

💧 Water

• Water sparingly.
• Allow the top soil to dry between waterings.
• Overwatering causes leaf drop and no flowers.
• During summer: Water more frequently.
• Winter: Reduce watering.

🪴 Soil

• Prefers well-draining soil.
• Ideal mix:
  • Garden soil 40%
  • Cocopeat 20%
  • Sand/Perlite 20%
  • Compost 20%
• Slightly acidic to neutral soil is best.

🧪 Fertilizer

• Use a balanced fertilizer (NPK 19:19:19 or 10:26:26) once every 20–30 days.
• During flowering season, use high-potassium fertilizer for more blooms.
• Organic option: Sheep manure or vermicompost in small quantity.

✂️ Pruning

• Light pruning throughout the year encourages branching.
• Major pruning after the flowering cycle to shape the plant.
• Remove dead/dry branches regularly.

🪟 Pot / Container Care

• Bougainvilleas love slightly root-bound pots.
• Choose a clay or terracotta pot for better drainage.
• Repot only when roots circle the bottom (every 2–3 years).

🌡️ Temperature

• Thrives in warm climates: 20°C–35°C.
• Protect from frost or extremely cold winds.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Common pests: Aphids, mealybugs, caterpillars
• Solve with neem oil spray every 10–15 days.
• Overwatering → Root rot
• Less light → No blooms

🌸 Extra Tips

• Slight stress (less water) increases flowering.
• Ideal for pergolas, balconies, boundaries, and landscape decoration.
• Once established, bougainvilleas require minimal care.