Bougainvillea: Care for the Vivid Mediterranean Climber
Flowers

Bougainvillea: Care for the Vivid Mediterranean Climber

Bougainvillea glabra

Growing bougainvillea: tropical climber with spectacular magenta, purple, pink and orange bracts. Full sun, low water, 6-month bloom.

Characteristics

Scientific nameBougainvillea glabra
Height300-800 cm
Sunlightpieno sole
Waterbassa
Soildrenante leggero
Toxicitynon tossica
Growthrapida
Temperature5-35 °C
FloweringMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
IrrigationWater sparingly, only when soil is dry: bougainvillea blooms more under mild water stress.

Bougainvillea is a tropical climber spectacular for its colourful bracts in magenta, purple, pink, orange or white that cover the plant from May to October. It grows fast in full sun on light well-drained soil, tolerating drought and heat very well. Iconic of the coastal Mediterranean landscape.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: bassa — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: drenante leggero. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

Why is my Bougainvillea not flowering?
Almost always too much watering or excess nitrogen fertilizer: bougainvillea flowers more when slightly stressed. Reduce water and nitrogen to encourage blooming.
Is Bougainvillea cold-hardy?
It tolerates brief frosts down to 0 °C, but inland it must be sheltered in pots over winter. In cold zones grow it in cold greenhouse or bright room.

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