Bougainvillea Bougainvillea A love blog about bougainvillea.

It's important to understand a bougainvillea's growth pattern, as it is not in constant bloom. 

The bougainvillea has two distinct growth cycles:

1. A vegetative growth period for several weeks -- when new leaves and stems grow.  If the plant receives enough sunlight, the plant will form buds during this time. If there is not enough sunlight, the plant will remain in vegetative cycle.

2. A blooming period of several weeks when little or no vegetative growth occurs.  The length of time they will display color is dependent upon the health of the plant and the environment they are in; the more sun and heat, the better. However, long days and short nights (July and August in Florida) limit a bougainvillea's ability to bloom.

Learn More: Bougainvillea 101, Every thing you need to know about Bougainvillea

This pink, Bougainvillea Teatime Pixie® bonsai can be grown in its 6-inch ceramic bonsai pot for several years before needing re-potting.

This variety of bougainvillea hardly needs any trimming or maintenance to stay colorful and showy. Frost-sensitive, potted bougainvillea can be wintered over indoors during cool weather. For best blooming, bougainvillea must be grown outdoors and receive at least 5 hours of direct sun per day. Water at the first sign of wilt, and when re-potting, use only bonsai soil in a pot with excellent drainage.

• Botanical Name : Bougainvillea Teatime Pixie®
• Variety/Cultivar: Teatime Pixie®
• Tiny, pink bracts and compact foliage
• Height of bonsai will remain approximately 6-7 In. tall
• Needs minimal water once established
• Can be wintered-over indoors in cooler climates
• Fertilize monthly with BGI's Bougain® for best blooming results
• Trim after each bloom cycle for best branching and blooming
• Enjoyed as a perennial in the Southern states, flowering most heavily October through June
• Enjoyed as an annual in the Northern states, flowering most heavily April through July 

Visit Bougainvillea Growers International for all your Bougainvillea needs!

Bougainvillea bloom better with Bougain®, the best-selling bougainvillea fertilizer in the country. Specially formulated for the distinct growing and blooming needs of bougainvillea is now available at your local Home Depot!

Great for both young and mature bougainvillea, and in all sizes and varieties. Each jar includes a measuring scoop. Sold as a 2-pack, so you will receive two (2) 2lb. jars.

• Ideal for all varieties of bougainvillea
• Achieve maximum color and vibrancy on your bougainvillea plant
• Easy to use - no mixing
• Quick results
• Guaranteed not to burn when used as directed
• Once a month application
• MFG Brand Name : Bougain®
• MFG Model # : F26842-2
• MFG Part # : F26842-2

Bougainvillea Growth cycles

The bougainvillea has two distinct growth cycles:

1. A vegetative growth period for several weeks -- when new leaves and stems grow.  If the plant receives enough sunlight, the plant will form buds during this time. If there is not enough sunlight, the plant will remain in vegetative cycle.

2. A blooming period of several weeks when little or no vegetative growth occurs.  The length of time they will display color is dependent upon the health of the plant and the environment they are in; the more sun and heat, the better. However, long days and short nights (July and August in Florida) limit a bougainvillea's ability to bloom.

Watering bougainvillea is as simple as looking at your plant.

Wilting is the best indicator that watering is needed. No need to check for soil dryness or count the days that you previously watered. Just look at the foliage or bracts...and if they're starting to droop a little, then it's time to water. If you let them droop, then wilt, and then wait a couple more days to water, then it may be too late and the plant will start to drop foliage. Take care not to let your bougainvillea get bone-dry, as this will cause bracts and foliage to drop. When it is time to water, do it thoroughly – making sure that every inch of root gets watered.

The amount of watering needed is directly related to the climate, soil type, plant size and weather conditions. However, there are some guidelines you can use.

Bougainvillea are drought-tolerant plants, and require very little water once established. Bring the soil to visual dryness between waterings.

When choosing an area to plant your bougainvillea, remember that higher ground is best - as this makes water drain AWAY from the roots. Avoid constant, light, and frequent watering as this will promote a weak and shallow root system and prevent any major coloring on your bougainvillea. Be careful not to allow your bougainvillea to sit in water as this may cause bracts to drop or stop blooming altogether.

If your bougainvillea is grown in a pot – make sure drainage holes are unobstructed, and toss that water dish... bougainvillea do not like wet feet!  Also make sure you are using the right fertilizer for your bougainvillea plants.