Hailing from the regions of South America Bougainvillea are a hardy climber, the colourful papery flower bracts, make a great display in spring and summer. The best known variety is the bright ‘Red Scarlet O’Hara’, there are other colours including yellow, white, orange and pink. There are even dwarf varieties great when grown in containers.
Planting Calendar
Bougainvillea can be planted all year round, however plants are usually instore from September to February.
Prepare
Position
As bougainvillea has a climbing habit, it will need something to grow up against, which can be a fence, trellis or wall. Make sure that the bougainvillea is planted in a position that gets full sun, or at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They are salt tolerant and can be grown in subtropical coastal areas.
Soil
When planted into the ground Bougainvillea likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil fork over then add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets and mix together well. When grown in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost, Sheep Pellets into your existing soil. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. Make sure the plant is also tied to the fence or trellis to help train it as it establishes itself over the first year.
Care
Watering
Bougainvillea are drought tolerant so do not need a lot of water. In hot dry weather 2 deep watering's a week should be enough for plants in the ground. Plants that are planted into pots may need more water. Bougainvillea's will drop their flowers bracts when stressed from lack of water.
Feeding
A monthly application of Aquatics Organic Garden Booster as well as a handful of Sheep Pellets will help to keep your plants strong and healthy.
Spraying
Whitefly and mealybug can be an issue on Bougainvillea. Spray with Groventive Garden at first sign of pests.
Pruning
Bougainvillea's flower on the new seasons growth. Lightly prune back plants once flowering has finished in autumn. Bougainvillea respond best to a light, regular prune rather than a hard one.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
When pruning, be wary of bougainvillea sap, especially if you have sensitive skin. And while you've got the loppers out, watch out for the fierce thorns on older varieties too.
Expert Tip
Potted Bougainvillea's will need more regular feeding than ones planted into the ground.
Top Varieties
Bambino Series
A smaller growing species, coming in various colours, some with variegated foliage. Bambino’s are well suited for the smaller garden and are also great for containers Growing 1m x1m
Magnifica Traillii
Adorned with bright Magenta flowers this is a strong grower reaching to 5m
Scarlet O'Hara
One of the most popular varieties with bright red flowers growing up to 5m
Frequently Asked Questions
My bougainvillea won't flower - is there anything I can do to encourage it?
Bougainvillea must be in a very sunny position and require little care. Feed monthly with a couple of handfuls of Sheep Pellets as they do not require lots of fertiliser. A good deep watering once a week during summer is also beneficial.