Caring for Bougainvillea
Blooming bougainvilleas are showstoppers. They are the start of every backyard paradise. To get the most out of your new bougainvillea, follow the tips below for planting, watering, and pest control.
(Click to open a printable PDF version of the information below.)
Site Selection
- Bougainvilleas need full sun, so choose a spot in your yard that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
- Bougainvilleas also prefer to be dry, rather than wet. So select a well-drained location.
Planting
- The best way to plant a bougainvillea is to leave it in the pot! Young bougainvillea have sensitive root systems and leaving them in the pot reduces transplant shock. Also, over time, the stress of confined roots contributes to more blooms.
- Cut 4 large Xs around the sides of the pot, and cut away the rim so that you won’t see it once planting is complete.
- Dig a hole and amend the area with well-drained soil – we recommend Black Gold® Natural and Organic Garden Compost Blend.
- For an extra boost, add the appropriate amount of Espoma Organic®Bio-tone® Starter Plus.
- Then plant the bougainvillea as you would any other plant, planting it so that the top of the root ball is about an inch above the surrounding area.
Watering
- The most common reason for lack of blooms on a bougainvillea is over-watering.
- Water every other day when newly planted, and then each month add an extra day in between until you are down to one watering per week. Always water in the morning.
- Adjust lawn irrigation if needed so that sprinklers don’t soak bougainvilleas.
- Plant a bougainvillea raised out of the ground a little to increase drainage.
Fertilizer
- Regular fertilizer will keep your bougainvillea growing and blooming.
- Use The Kerby’s Special fertilizer monthly for the first year.
- Thereafter, fertilize three times per year: in spring and fall with The Kerby’s Special and in summer with Bloom Booster fertilizer.
Pest Control
Watch for little chew marks and holes on the leaves. It’s a sign of a warm-weather pest, the bougainvillea worm or lopper. Treat plants with Natural Guard® Caterpillar Killer Spray with Bt in the evenings to control and prevent.
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