On the coast of California where I used to live (Santa Barbara), it was more like every 2 weeks or so in summer. It is true that the insecticidal soaps will need to … It has various species. Bougainvilleas are pretty drought tolerant and don’t ask for frequent waterings. If your bougainvillea starts to wilt, water it immediately. A common mistake for gardeners is to take the same approach as roses or hydrangeas etc. These three bracts hide the true flowers inside, which are small, trumpet-shaped flowers in whites and yellows. According to Joyus Garden, bougainvillea does not need a great deal of water, as it is quite drought-tolerant. Avoid light watering that only moistens the surface of the soil around your bougainvillea. If it is newly planted, then frequent watering is important. Wintering your Bougainvillea is possible at 5-10 ° C in a light place. 3. At times of temperatures in the high-80s Fahrenheit or above, insecticidal soaps will work best. They require little care and small amounts of water. Watering is one of the major factors of Bougainvillea care. Reduce the amount of water if your bougainvillea doesn't flower as a period of drought encourages the plant to bud. Gardeners caring for bougainvillea in the garden don’t need to worry much about water once the plants mature. Even large bougainvilleas may need to be watered daily during hot, dry spells. By following the … Add a little compost to the hole to help hold the moisture. They should be pruned in the early spring or later winter after they flower, or at the beginning of the rainy season. San Diego Red) Also known as San Diego Red, the strong vine-like habit of Scarlet O'Hara provides quick cover and beautiful show of amazing clusters of deep magenta-red flower-like bracts. The woody vine varieties of this plant are the most popular, as they produce the most vibrant, colorful displays, thanks in part to their bracts. In the winter, it’s more like every 2 – 3 weeks or so. Don’t be surprised if it dries out every day during warm summer days. Take care not to let your bougainvillea get bone-dry, as this will cause bracts and foliage to drop. Watering Trick For Bougainvillea To Bloom. Watering should be in an optimum amount for plant's healthy growth. and try to water frequently so that the soil is consistently moist. What a bougainvillea likes is full tropical sun, moderate watering (unlike most plants, it does better if you keep it on the dry side than evenly moist) and regular fertilization during its growing period. Do not keep potted plants in a dish or saucer as these trap excess water and can cause water logging and root rot. Plant it in a well-drained or sandy soil. In warm climates, a bougainvillea plant can be grown as a vine or groundcover, in cool areas it's a great container plant. It will not thrive in shaded areas. Apply enough water to thoroughly soak all the soil. Called a “flowering machine” by some, the bougainvillea species (Bougainvillea glabra) are vining shrubs, regular vines or small trees that grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b to 11. Wear a good pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands from thorns when working with these plants. My bougainvillea in a pot is still newly planted so in future winters, I’ll probably water it every 3 weeks. What Are the Blooms on a Bougainvillea Called? Bougainvillea watering is a situation in which less is usually more, but consider your cultivar and the planting location to ensure proper care. They are somewhat tender but recover easily from frost damage. Here we provide you with the exact watering required for your garden plant. The bougainvillea was named in honor of Count Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, an 18th century French aristocrat, navigator and explorer. Bougainvillea. Do not neglect watering during the hot summer months. It may be easier to try a slow-release bougainvillea fertilizer instead, since you only need to do this twice a year, in the spring and midsummer. Overwinter the shrub indoors in a sunny window and reduce watering. If it is planted in a borderline-hardy zone, the plant will do better in a corner against the house or on a warm wall. Bougainvillea plants need support to cover a wall, fence, or another area. Vibrantly coloured bracts of Bougainvillea brighten warm greenhouses and conservatory borders during the summer. Water your potted bougainvillea as soon as the top inch of soil has dried out. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Reduce the amount of water if your bougainvillea doesn't flower as a period of drought encourages the plant to bud. Typically, you will see the best display of blooms follow… The showy paper-like structures are a modified leaf called a bract. In the summer the Bougainvillea will usually flower richly until September / October, with watering will have to be reduced with the sun decreasing. On those occasions, water the roots directly using lime-free water. If growing one of the smaller varieties in a pot or container, ensure you use a good-quality potting mix. This contributes to a good root system for the winter. Rediscover all climbing vines and new planting ideas here. Bougainvillea is known for its colorful display of flowers, or bracts. In tropical and frost-free areas, bougainvillea vines will thrive in sunny conditions and produce year-round color. The following steps should be performed from autumn through until early spring during a state of inactivity. Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst’ is one of the hardiest varieties available, with stunning magenta-purple flowers all summer long. Bougainvillea are drought-tolerant plants, and require very little water once established. Bring the soil to visual dryness between watering; when the plants are almost at the wilting point, watering is required. In southern Australia, cuttings are best taken in summer. The plant does well as ground cover and in containers, and its tiny white or yellow bud-like flowers can be hidden in modified, colorful leaves, called bracts. While taking Poinsettia and Bougainvillea care, it is important to know that too much water is more dangerous than not enough watering. These tropical climbers are suitable for large containers placed in the garden during summer but must be kept frost-free in winter. Bougainvilleas are a great landscape plant for Phoenix. Learn how to plant and care for bougainvillea and discover 8 of the best bougainvilleas to grow in your garden. Do not neglect watering during the hot summer months. Bougainvillea is often seen cascading down from window boxes, against fences or buildings and on trellises. Some experts say these species vary between four and eighteen. Cuttings strike all year-round in the tropics, rooting in about four weeks. It bears repeating: do not overwater your bougainvillea, since this could lead to fewer blooms or root rot. Bougainvilleas are not frost tolerant but can be grown as houseplants or annuals in nontropical areas.