How to Make Bougainvillea Plants Flower and be Healthy

Bougainvilleas flower almost constantly under the right growing conditions and bougainvillea plants actually thrive more on neglect at certain times of the year. By following the right steps it is possible to have bougainvillea flowers on the plants from 3 to 6 months of the year.

Instructions

1. Learn what bougainvillea plants respond to and give them the conditions they need. Being tropical plants, bougainvilleas like high temperatures and lots of water, but not water logged soils. The two main seasons in the tropics are wet and dry with bougainvilleas coming into bloom after going through a dry season and a period of shorter days. Bougainvillea flowering occurs on new growth so pruning them to force more new greenery will increase the number of blooms with their colorful bracts. The soil for bougainvillea should be acidic with a pH of between 6.0 and 6.5, and it should drain well. If the soil is mainly sand and does not contain much loam, enrich it with rotted leaves, peat moss, and pine bark. Bougainvilleas are heavy feeders and are sensitive to high phosphorus levels. Being heavy users of magnesium it is important to use the correct fertilizers at the right time of the year.

2. Plant bougainvillea plants in full sun, know their zone hardiness, and water them correctly. Bougainvillea plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day as too much shade will cut back on blooming and affect bract colors. They should receive water equal to some 2 inches of rainfall each week when actively growing or blooming, and be allowed to dry out between waterings. In US. zones 9 or higher, they can be grown outside safely as the tops may be killed back by frosts but they will regrow during warm weather. Bougainvilleas make great container plants and actually do better when their roots are crowded. Their roots are tender and easy to damage when transplanting or repotting.

3. Give bougainvillea plants a dormant period to induce blooming. Those living in colder climates can enjoy bougainvilleas in pots or hanging baskets that can be moved inside during the coldest months for a rest period. This forced dormancy should last from 2 to 3 months with the plant being cut back by half or more at the start. Place it in a dark, cold area such as a basement or garage where temperatures will not freeze. Only water once a month as too much moisture can lead to rotting and don't feed it at all. It will probably lose all its leaves, but at the end of the rest period bring it out into a sunny window. New leaves will grow out as the bougainvillea plant gets use to the light again. Once the new leaves are adjusted to the light give it full sun and move the bougainvillea outside when temps stay above freezing at night. Fertilize with a good tropical plant fertilizer when new growth starts and bougainvillea flowering should take place in two months. If the plant is growing out in the ground, force it to rest by cutting it back and covering it with a light blocking cloth over the two or three winter months. Uncover it when the night time temps stay above the mid forties and days are growing longer. When new growth starts fertilize bougainvilleas and start pruning to control and shape them.

4. Prune bougainvilleas to control growth, encourage flowering, and to shape. Bougainvilleas can be pruned at any time of the year and if in containers should be pruned back hard when moved inside for the winter. Bougainvilleas are vining plants and most will grow exceeding long vining stems if not pruned back and forced to send out side shoots and be more bushy. Pinching off the terminal buds every 3 to 4 weeks will cause basket grown plants to develop lovely dense growth habits. Pinch the terminal bud back so the plant only has two side buds left. Let these grow out until they can be pinched back to two buds on each and then repeat the process at least one more time before letting the bougainvillea plant form flower buds. If this process is started in the early spring, with half gallon size bougainvillea plants, by late summer there should be beautiful blooming baskets. Bougainvilleas can be pruned to tree form or standard by staking a single stem and removing all side growth to make it bush out at the top, or by weaving multiple stems to produce one center supporting stem. The process for making a bougainvillea tree is explained in the other article, "How to make a bougainvillea standard or bougainvillea tree", listed under resources below.

5. Choose the correct type of fertilizer for bougainvillea plants and use enough of it at the correct time. The three numbers that are used to describe fertilizers stand for the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and phosphate in the mix. Use a fertilizer with a balance of these three nutrients to compliment the soil. Have the soil tested to see what nutrients and minerals it might need and what its pH level is. Phosphorus does not leach out of the soil readily so it can build up to toxic levels. If the soil is already high in phosphorus pick a fertilizer with a low middle number such as 20-10-20 as bougainvilleas are sensitive to it. Mineral deficiencies can have harmful effects on plants, causing yellow leaves, stunted growth, weak roots, and overall bad plant health. Iron and Magnesium are two necessary minerals for bougainvilleas that may have to be added to the soil. Fertilize bougainvillea plants every two weeks when actively growing and blooming and cut back to once a month after the booming period is over. During winter dormancy don't feed it at all. Water soluble plant foods such as Peter's or Miracle Grow are fine for bougainvilleas, especially for those in pots or baskets.

6. Follow some simple rules when growing bougies in pots or baskets. Use a good soil mixture that meets the plants requirements in pH, fertility, drainage, and loam content. Keep the pot small for the plant as they do better when the roots are crowded. Don't repot bougainvillea plants very often and don't prune their tender roots as this will set the plants back. Only use a slightly larger pot than the roots need and don't set the pot directly on the ground for the summer month. The roots will grow through the bottom hole into the ground and then when moved, the plant's roots will have to be torn out of the ground. Because bougainvillea plants don't like being transplanted and can live for decades, use good sturdy pots and baskets that will last for several seasons. Don't use dark colored pots in the hot sunlight that bougainvilleas like, they will over heat. Don't keep the pot in a saucer of water as this will lead to rotten roots.

7. Grow a variety of bougainvillea suited for the situation and environment. There are three main species of bougainvillea with hundreds of different varieties and hybrids of the three species. The growth habits range from miniatures to rampant fast growing vines and from those that branch freely forming bushes to some that grow prostrate along the ground. They come in almost every color of the rainbow including purples, whites, reds, pinks, yellows and wines with some having variegated foliage to complete the picture. Some bougainvilleas are more cold hardy than others making them more suited for those of us in the northern area of their range. Do some research on the various varieties to find the ones best suited for your area and planned usage before buying a beautiful bougainvillea. Under resources below you will find links to some of my other articles about landscaping and flowering shrubs. Check them out and please rate them and this article, thank you.
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Tips & Warnings

• Check local garden and nurseries to see what types of bougainvilleas they recommend for your area.

• Your local extension agency can help with soil types and testings.

• Be aware that bougainvilleas have thorns and are not safe to plant near walkways, patios, and pools.