How2Day: Conditions for Bougainvillea

A bougainvillea in bloom. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
The Bougainvillea genus consists of a variety of thorny vines native to South America, including Brazil, Peru and southern Argentina. The flowers are primarily cultivated for their papery flower bracts, which may be pink, white or lavender depending on the cultivar. Gardeners who wish to cultivate bougainvillea vines must meet a number of care conditions in order for the plant to thrive.

A native of the tropics, the bougainvillea grows naturally in hot, sunny regions. The vine may be cultivated outdoors as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 to 11, although the plant may also thrive in USDA zone 8 if properly mulched. A nighttime temperature of 60 degrees F is ideal, and the vine can handle daytime temperatures of upwards of 100 degrees. Gardeners in cooler climates can grow the vine as an outdoor container plant and bring the plant indoors during winter frosts. Bougainvilleas require a minimum of five hours of full, direct sunlight per day in order to flower fully.

Bougainvilleas should be watered on a regular basis, though they can handle brief periods of drought. Fertilizing can help enhance the plant's somewhat delicate root system. Use a fertilizer rich in iron and micronutrients in order to encourage healthy root development and robust flowering. Fertilizing frequently during the flowering season can result in a prolonged bloom period. Fertilize less frequently during the winter. If flower production seems to diminish, try allowing the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Bougainvilleas have a delicate, fragile root system that can be easily damaged by poorly draining soils. Dense soils can cause serious problems such as root rot, as well as various types of fungus and leaf spot. The flowers will look their best if grown in a well-draining, loamy soil, ideally made up of sand, silt and clay. Organic matter such as decomposed leaves can add extra drainage to the soil, allowing nutrients to quickly reach the plant's roots.

Bougainvilleas typically flower in vibrant flushes that last between four to six weeks. Pinching away spent flowers after a flush of flowers can help increase the plant's flowering, as it will force the plant to produce new branches. A vigorous, healthy plant may be pruned extensively to create a more manicured, fresh appearance. Some gardeners prefer to prune hard in early summer and prune lightly throughout the rest of the growing season.

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