How to grow and care for bougainvillea
With its bright colours and light, airy appearance, bougainvillea evokes the charm of Mediterranean gardens in Italy, Greece, or the French Riviera. Here’s how to grow and care for this versatile climber – even in the cooler climate of the UK!
Understanding bougainvillea varieties
Bougainvillea is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family. Its understated tiny white blooms, which appear in summer and autumn, are surrounded by bold bracts in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, or white. These eye-catching bracts and the bougainvillea’s long flowering season are what make this colourful climber a favourite.
This adaptable plant can be trained on trellises, shaped into potted shrubs, or even cultivated as bonsai.
Popular species include:
- Bougainvillea glabra: A climber reaching heights of 3–4 metres, withstanding temperatures down to 2°C.
- Bougainvillea spectabilis: A vigorous grower that can reach up to 8 metres but is less tolerant to cold.
- Bougainvillea ‘Violet de Mèze’: Renowned for its violet bracts and hardiness, said to tolerate temperatures as low as -6°C though it will lose all its leaves. It’s best provided with some winter protection.
- Bougainvillea ‘Variegata’: Known for its striking green-and-gold variegated foliage, it requires ample light to maintain its bicolour charm.
Where to plant bougainvillea
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In the ground:
- In milder UK regions like the South Coast, it may be possible to grow bougainvillea outdoors. Plant it against a sunny, sheltered wall or pergola to protect it from cold winds.
- Plant in spring after the risk of frost has passed and avoid the height of summer heat.
In pots:
- In most parts of the UK, bougainvillea is best grown in pots so that they can be moved indoors in winter. The plants are very thorny, so bear this in mind when deciding where to place your pots. Bougainvillea needs at least 6 hours of sunlight a day to flower well.
- Spring is ideal for planting bougainvillea in pots, giving the plant a head start for the growing season.
Planting bougainvillea in pots:
- Select a container larger than the original pot.
- Add clay pebbles or gravel to ensure good drainage.
- Position the plant upright and fill the pot with loam-based compost.
- Water generously to settle the roots.
- Re-pot every 2-3 years to prevent the plant from becoming root-bound, increasing the pot size slightly.
Bougainvillea plant care
Watering bougainvillea
Bougainvillea thrives on regular but moderate watering, particularly in summer. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.
- Spring: Gradually increase watering frequency as the plant starts to show signs of new growth. Allow the soil to almost dry out between waterings.
- Summer: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering.
- Winter: During the plant’s dormant phase, water only when the soil is dry several centimetres deep. If grown in a conservatory, mist the leaves occasionally to prevent dehydration.
Feeding bougainvillea
In mid-spring, start feeding your bougainvillea once a week with a liquid feed high in nitrogen to promote leafy growth. Once the bracts start to develop, change to a high-potash liquid feed like tomato feed to boost their colour. Stop feeding in winter.
Deadheading and pruning bougainvillea
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Bougainvillea blooms on new growth, so pruning too harshly can compromise flowering.
- End of winter: Lightly trim to shape and remove dead or damaged branches.
- During flowering: For potted plants, shorten branches when blooms fade to maintain a compact shape.
- To promote flowering, pinch off faded bracts regularly throughout the season.
Safety tip: Bougainvillea branches are thorny, so wear gloves when handling the plant.
Staking and training bougainvillea
In the wild, bougainvillea climbs using its thorny stems as hooks. Tie the stems into supports or trellis with plant ties to achieve a neat display. Spread stems horizontally as much as possible to encourage maximum flowering.
Bougainvillea winter care
Bring the plant inside when temperatures drop below 5°C. Keep it in a cool bright location (minimum 10°C), and water very lightly, allowing the compost to dry out between waterings.
Pests and diseases affecting bougainvillea
Despite its hardy nature, bougainvillea can face challenges from pests and diseases. Prompt action can keep your plant healthy and thriving.
Common bougainvillea problems
Yellowing leaves
- Symptoms: Leaves turn yellow and may drop off the plant.
- Cause: In potted bougainvillea this may be due to overwatering and can also be a sign of nitrogen deficiency.
- Solution: Check the soil moisture level with a fingertip before watering. Feed plants with a balanced liquid feed.
Root rot
- Symptoms: Wilting leaves and stunted growth despite regular watering.
- Solution: Reduce watering and ensure proper drainage.
- Symptoms: A white, powdery coating on leaves, leading to leaf drop.
- Cause: High humidity combined with warm weather.
- Solution: Treat with a fungicide and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Symptoms: White, cotton-like patches on stems and leaves; yellowing foliage.
- Solution: Dab with a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirit or spray with an insecticide.
- Symptoms: Curled leaves, sticky residue, and the presence of ants.
- Solution: Check plants regularly and wipe off any aphids before infestations become a problem. Encourage natural predators like ladybirds to tackle aphids on outdoor-grown plants. Tackle heavy infestations with insecticide.
With so many varieties and colours to choose from, there’s a bougainvillea for every UK gardener. Whether you’re training it along a sun-drenched wall in Cornwall or nurturing it in a pot in a conservatory, this stunning plant is sure to add beauty and vibrant colour to your home.
