Bougainvillea is a beautiful summer flowering plant. The plant is evergreen and grows rapidly. Grows easily in balcony or terrace gardens. Bougainvillea plants can also be seen hanging on the main gate of garden houses, duplex villas, or urban balconies. Flowering usually occurs from December to August or September, but some species flower throughout the year. The variegated flowers are usually purple, lavender, carmine, scarlet, red, pink, orange, yellow and white. Its petal arrangement is of two types single and double petal.
However, many people are afraid to care for bougainvillea plants, and they do not know how to properly care for their bougainvillea plants. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to grow and care for your Bougainvillea plant, so it can thrive and bring you joy for years to come.
A Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for Your Bougainvillea Plant
Bougainvillea is named after the French discoverer Louis Ottoin de Bougainvillea. It is a common tree in the Caribbean Islands, Central America, Mexico, South Africa, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and the southern part of the United States. Bougainvillea belongs to Nyctaginaceae family and its scientific name is Bougainvillea spectabilis. Although it comes in a variety of colors, bougainvillea lacks blue flowers.
Types of Bougainvillea:
There are many types of Bougainvillea flowers, but some of the most common ones include:
Bougainvillea glabra
This is the most common type of bougainvillea and is also known as the paper flower. The bracts of this plant come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, orange, and red. Bougainvillea glabra is a hardy plant that can grow up to 30 feet tall.
Bougainvillea spectabilis
This variety of bougainvillea is known for its large, bright pink bracts. The plant can grow up to 40 feet tall and is often used as a hedge or a screen. Bougainvillea spectabilis is also commonly used as a bonsai plant.
Bougainvillea peruviana
This type of bougainvillea is native to Peru and is known for its small, delicate flowers. The plant can grow up to 15 feet tall and is often used as a ground cover.
Bougainvillea arborea
This variety of bougainvillea is a tree-like plant that can grow up to 30 feet tall. The bracts of this plant come in shades of pink, purple, and red.
Bougainvillea buttiana
This type of bougainvillea is a hybrid between Bougainvillea glabra and Bougainvillea peruviana. The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and is known for its bright pink bracts.
Bougainvillea brasiliensis
This variety of bougainvillea is native to Brazil and is known for its magenta-colored bracts. The plant can grow up to 30 feet tall and is often used as a hedge.
Bougainvillea coccinea
This type of bougainvillea is known for its deep red bracts. The plant can grow up to 15 feet tall and is often used as a ground cover.
Bougainvillea glabra ‘Variegata’
This variety of bougainvillea is known for its variegated leaves, which are green and white. The plant can grow up to 30 feet tall and is often used as a hedge.
Bougainvillea laurifolia
This type of bougainvillea is native to Mexico and is known for its white bracts. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and is often used as a ground cover.
Bougainvillea ‘Raspberry Ice’
This is a hybrid between Bougainvillea glabra and Bougainvillea peruviana. The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall
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Best Location for Your Bougainvillea:
Bougainvillea should be transplanted in areas that receive approximately 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day for better plant growth and less disease. A bougainvillea should have a sloping or well-drained soil. Bougainvillea plants grow in any soil, but do best in loamy and sandy-loamy soils.
Planting Your Bougainvillea:
Bougainvillea plants require well-draining soil, so be sure to plant your Bougainvillea in a pot or garden bed with good drainage. You should also choose a spot that receives plenty of sunlight, as Bougainvillea plants need at least six hours of sunlight per day. If you live in a cooler climate, you may want to plant your Bougainvillea in a pot so that you can move it indoors during the winter months.
Watering Your Bougainvillea:
One of the most important aspects of Bougainvillea care is proper watering. Bougainvillea plants need to be watered regularly, but they also need to be allowed to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to your plant. To avoid overwatering, wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering your Bougainvillea.
Fertilizing Your Bougainvillea:
Bougainvillea plants are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization to thrive. You should fertilize your Bougainvillea every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage your plant.
Pruning Your Bougainvillea:
Pruning is an important part of Bougainvillea care, as it helps to control the size and shape of your plant. You should prune your Bougainvillea in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Prune away any dead or damaged branches, and cut back any overgrown branches to maintain the shape of your plant.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases:
Bougainvillea plants can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, mealybugs, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, be sure to keep your plant clean and healthy, and avoid overwatering. If you do notice signs of pests or diseases, treat them promptly with an insecticidal soap or fungicide.
