Tips and Tricks for Growing Bougainvillea

These heat-loving, drought-tolerant plants are ideal for warmer climes

Mention bougainvillea to almost anyone , and their first images may be of sunlight - drenched stucco wall festoon in the atomic number 10 color of the tropics . From beachside to desert to lush Torrid Zone , their alien vibe proclaims , “ I love warm conditions ! ” In the comparatively small-scale Nyctaginaceae family , Bougainvilleais in all likelihood the well - known member , withMirabilis(four - o’clock ) andAbronia(sand vervain ) being runners up . With bougainvilleas , the color is provided by papery bract that enclose a small white salad days that is the lawful flower . Flowering occurs in cycles : as a burst of new increase matures , a bloom cps begins , repeating many times over the course of a long , live time of year . Learn the staple of originate bougainvillea here .

Bougainvillea Basics at a Glance

Zones:9–11

Light : Minimum of half day of sunlight ( 4–6 60 minutes ) ; full sun for best colour

stain : Well - drained

Moisture : Infrequent , deep watering

fertiliser : Minimal unless in containers

Give bougainvilleas plenty of heat and sun

The many superb coinage and hybrids we enjoy today all trace their origins to tropical South America , notably Brazil , Argentina , and Peru . They have made their way around the tropic and subtropical world , and C of selection have been made from Mexico to Thailand . The fact that they can do so well in the Southwest is no surprise . “ Bougies ” do n’t just tolerate heat — they relish it , and even in our deserts , reflected oestrus from Edward Durell Stone and concrete is taken in stride . They will easy bloom with half Clarence Day of sun , but full sunlight land out their most magnificent hues . Once established , minimal irrigation is require , with flora prefer an occasional rich soak and some important drying in between . Fertilizer is seldom take unless grow in container .

Varieties come in all shapes and sizes

Some cultivars of this baffling plant with be quite large and shrublike .

Others have a dwarf , heavyset habit , making them consummate for being grown in a container .

Bougainvilleas are usable in tall , vigorous configuration as well as more manageable bush types . As scramble shrub , they neither twine nor cling ; rather , they stick securely into the theoretical account of adjacent plants with their stout thorn . This can make pruning a challenge , with gloves and long sleeves required . A sturdy structure or tree bole is all-important if height is desired . Shrubby forms are more drug user - favorable in smaller preferences . instead , bougies will also thrive in containers and hang baskets . This makes them easier to move out of hurt ’s path into a garage or other protect setting when frost peril . It ’s significant to mention , however , that with limited root geographical zone , they will always ask routine lachrymation and feeding in containers .

Watch out for cooler temps, and offer protection when needed

Bougainvilleas are often recommended as brave in Zones 9–11 . In the warmest areas of the Southwest ( Zones 10 and above ) they are loyal to institute and carefree , with large - growing cultivar easily reaching the eves of a house ( and high ) and freely cascade down over walls and structures . Below Zone 10 , where there is routine risk of occasional icing damage in winter , they will more often than not grow as fence - height shrubs . On cold nights below 30 ° F , shrubs should be well covered to the priming with material ( tack , blankets — never plastic ! ) to preclude damage . Leave the covers in place for the continuance of the parky weather to retain daytime high temperature .

Should a arduous halt take place , most will still be root - hardy down to about 26 ° F . stem turn may be killed to the base , and greening pruning will be necessary in the spring . Wait until novel shoots start to come out on lower stems so you bonk how far to trim . Even then , watch for late Robert Lee Frost that can damage these tender shoots .

The Best Bougainvillea Varieties

The cultivar choices for this group of plant are ample , in nearly every color except true blueness . Here are a few of my dearie :

1.‘Barbara Karst’

2.‘Fire Opal’

3.‘Majestic Purple’

4.‘Oo-La-La’

5.‘Bengal Orange’

talk about this and any other horticulture subject in ourSouthwest horticulture forum .

For more plants that boom in raging conditions :

Plant That Like it Hot

Plants for a Hellstrip

Plants for Dry and Hot Areas of the Garden

Find more entropy onSouthwest horticulture here .

Dan Johnson lives and garden in Denver , Colorado , and in Tucson , Arizona . He is an associate director of gardening for the Denver Botanic Gardens .

picture : Dan Johnson

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