Bougainvillea Growing Guide

Planting

• Grow in a container with excellent drainage; bougainvillea roots rot quickly in soggy soil
• Use a well-drained, slightly sandy potting mix, not a heavy, moisture-retentive one
• Move outdoors after all frost risk has passed and nighttime temperatures stay above 10°C
• Place in the sunniest spot available — at least 6 hours of direct sun is needed for good blooming
• Handle with thick gloves; the thorns are sharp and hidden along the stems under the foliage

Watering & blooming

• Let the soil dry out noticeably between waterings — this mild drought stress is what triggers blooming
• Overwatering produces lush leafy growth but few or no flowers
• Water more consistently only while a plant is actively rooting in after transplanting
• A slightly root-bound plant in a modest-sized pot blooms better than one in an oversized container

Feeding

• Feed every 2–4 weeks during the growing season with a bloom-boosting fertilizer lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus/potassium
• Too much nitrogen (common in all-purpose fertilizers) encourages leaves at the expense of flowers
• Stop feeding by late summer to let the plant slow down before it comes indoors

Overwintering indoors

• Bring containers indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below 10°C, typically by mid-to-late September in most of Canada
• Place in the brightest available window; expect some leaf drop as the plant adjusts to lower indoor light
• Reduce watering significantly over winter, letting soil dry out well between waterings
• Prune back leggy growth by up to a third before bringing indoors or in late winter before spring growth resumes
• Move back outdoors gradually in late spring, hardening off over 1–2 weeks to avoid leaf scorch

Common problems

• Leaf drop after moving indoors or outdoors: normal transition stress — the plant usually recovers within a few weeks
• No blooms despite healthy growth: too much water, too much nitrogen fertilizer, or insufficient direct sun
• Yellowing leaves: often overwatering; let soil dry out more between waterings
• Thorns causing injury while handling: always wear thick gloves and long sleeves when pruning or repotting

Frequently asked questions