3 minute read
Bountiful Bougainvilleas
The first time I really took notice of the bougainvillea was on a Christmas vacation to Cozumel, Mexico. As we walked the warm sunny streets in the dead of winter I noticed beautiful woody vines engulfing the sides of the stone buildings. The vibrant colors seem to dance in the breeze and the blooms resembled that of delicate crape paper. There were fuchsia, red, orange, yellow and even white ones. I was in awe. I soon learned that the colorful “blooms” I was seeing were not flower petals but instead bracts or modified leaves. The true flower lies within the nest of the paper-like bracts and resemble a white trumpet which are delicacy for butterflies.
Bougainvillea are native to the warm climates of eastern South America. It comes as no surprise that they love our hot Midwest summers. Being a heat lover, our winter temperatures are far too low for them to survive. They are only considered perennial in zones nine through ten. Otherwise, they will ideally need to be kept at a minimum of 40 degrees. It is best to wait to put them out in spring after the risk of frost has passed.
Their heat tolerance makes the bougainvillea a fabulous contain plant or annual in the ground. They will even thrive baking in the sun on a hot concrete patio. They can be grown up a trellis, trained into a tree form, bush form or cascading elegantly out of a hanging basket. For season long color it is best that your bougainvillea receive a minimum of five hours of direct sun but will take it all day.
When caring for your plants they should be potted in a well-draining soil in a container with good drainage. In between thorough watering it is best let your plants go on the dry side. If you see many leaves but few flowers try letting the soil dry out more. To help ensure abundant flowering and good overall health it is best to use a balanced, slowrelease blooming plant fertilizer. It also helps to remove the spent blooms branches after flowering as bougainvillea bloom on new growth. This will also keep your plant looking fuller.
By following these simple steps bougainvillea are sure to be a showstopping addition to any patio, porch, deck or flower bed.
JESSICA SHARP Tropicals Enthusiast
Jessica Sharp is the Tropical Department manager at Suburban Lawn and Garden, on Roe Avenue in Overland Park, Kansas. You may reach her at jessicas@suburbanlg.ddns.net.
