Westdale Nurseries

Hints on growing Bougainvilleas

A few hints of growing Bougainvilleas

Light

For best results, give your bougainvilleas plenty of sunlight. Shade can cause bract and leaf drop.

Humidity

Not essential – the plant can be positioned on a windowsill in centrally heated room.

Watering

The plant can take plenty of water in summer but allow to dry a little between watering then give a good drink again as deep watering produces a good root system rather than frequent light sprinklings.

Feeding

A feed high in nitrogen e.g. Vitax 3.0.1 in early Spring will start growth. Change to a higher potash feed e.g. Vitax 1.1.1 thereafter.

Potting

Repot in Spring and Summer as necessary, preferably in clay pots. At Westdale Nurseries, we use Vitax multi purpose and we stock it for purchase. This feed provides optimum growing conditions to get your bougainvillea off to a great start. We also use Vitax multi purpose for Pelargonium, Fuchsias and for our wide range of conservatory plants.

Pruning & Training

Bougainvillea is best pruned lightly after flowering and/or hard in February/March, shaping them into bush, standard, espaliers, pyramids, hanging baskets, over arch or ceiling to prevent the sun from scorching other plants. It can even be grown as Bonsai.

Temperature

The plant must be kept in a frost-free position in winter. It can be stored at 2-3°C. Under 1O°C will tend to go deciduous but it will leaf up again when it gets warmer.