Description

Unleash a Riot of Color with Bougainvillea: Your Guide to Vibrant Summer Blooms

Imagine your patio or garden exploding with vibrant color, a cascade of pink, red, yellow, and orange blooms that lasts all summer long. This isn’t a dream; it’s the reality you can achieve with the magnificent Bougainvillea. Known for its stunning bracts (the colorful “petals” that surround the true flowers), Bougainvillea is a show-stopping plant that brings a touch of the tropics to any landscape. Perfect for container gardening, Bougainvillea thrives in hanging baskets or patio pots, allowing you to move them to the sunniest spots in your yard easily. Their versatility extends to vertical gardens, where they can climb and create a breathtaking display. Whether you’re looking to add a splash of color to a balcony, a patio, or a poolside oasis, Bougainvillea is an excellent choice.

The Secret to Abundant Blooms

While Bougainvillea is relatively easy to care for, achieving those stunning, prolific blooms requires understanding its unique needs. The key to success lies in proper watering and feeding.

• Watering: Unlike many plants, Bougainvillea thrives on a little neglect. For optimal blooming, allow the soil to dry out *completely* between waterings. This might seem counterintuitive, but this dry period encourages the plant to produce more flowers. Before watering, check the soil moisture by inserting your finger a couple of inches down. If it’s dry to the touch, it’s time to water.
• Feeding: To fuel the plant’s vibrant blooms, regular fertilization is essential. We recommend using a water-soluble fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio, such as 20-20-20. Feed your Bougainvillea once or twice a week during the active growing season (spring and summer). This consistent feeding will provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to produce a continuous explosion of color.

Beyond the Basics

• Sunlight: Bougainvillea loves the sun. Ensure your plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal blooming.
• Pruning: Pruning helps to shape the plant and encourages new growth, which leads to more flowers. Prune your Bougainvillea after a major bloom cycle. With a little attention to detail, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Bougainvillea all summer long. Bring the vibrant colors of the tropics to your home and transform your outdoor space into a dazzling paradise.

See Bougainvillea at either of Premier Nursery’s two locations in Euless or Benbrook.