. Sun is Key:
- Full Sun: This is the most crucial factor for abundant blooms. Bougainvillea needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If they don’t get enough sun, you’ll see more green leaves and fewer of those beautiful papery “flowers” (which are actually bracts, modified leaves that surround the small, true flowers).
- Heat Lover: They love the heat, so planting them against a warm wall or in a corner of your house that gets a lot of sun can be beneficial, especially in cooler regions.
2. Well-Draining Soil is a Must:
- No Wet Feet: Bougainvillea hates soggy roots and is prone to root rot if the soil retains too much moisture.
- Gritty, Loose Soil: They prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.0). Amend heavy clay soils with compost or sand to improve drainage.
- Container Growing: If growing in pots, choose a container with good drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one designed for palms or cacti, which is less likely to retain too much moisture. They actually bloom more when their roots are slightly crowded, making them excellent candidates for containers.
3. Watering Wisely:
- Establishment Period: Water regularly during the first 1-3 years to help the plant establish its roots.
- Drought Tolerant (Once Established): After establishment, bougainvillea are quite drought-tolerant. They prefer deep, infrequent waterings rather than frequent shallow ones.
- Don’t Overwater: Too much water will encourage leafy growth over flowers and can lead to root rot. Let the soil dry out between waterings. A good sign they need water is if their leaves start to curl.
4. Pruning for More Blooms:
- Bloom on New Growth: Bougainvillea blooms on new wood, so regular pruning encourages more flowers.
- When to Prune: You can prune throughout the year, but the most important time is in late winter or early spring before the new growth cycle begins. You can also prune after each bloom cycle.
- Shaping and Training: Pruning helps maintain the desired shape (vine, shrub, tree, or groundcover). If you want it to climb, gently tie new growth to a trellis, fence, or arbor as it grows.
- Pinching: Pinching off the ends of vines that are about to bloom can result in a denser display of bracts.
