Bougainvilla Solid Leaf (Mixed Colors)

Bougainvillea

Characteristics

Culture

Bougainvilla Solid Leaf grows best in full sun or light shade in well-drained, acid soils. Bougainvillea can tolerate hot, dry locations fairly well and flowers bountifully in full sun with regular watering. Chlorosis can be a problem in alkaline soil. Regular pruning may be necessary to shape the plant or direct its growth, it tolerates trimming well. Be careful when pruning to avoid injury from the 1 to 2 inch long thorns. If pruning is required this should be done immediately after flowering. Pinching the tips of new growth will encourage branching. Water freely in summer and sparingly in the winter. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.

Noteworthy Characteristics

The 14 species of this South American genus in the four-o-clock family, seen in warm-temperate to tropical regions as spectacular climbers, are really scrambling shrubs and usually remain fairly compact or behave as ground covers if left free standing. Leaves are thin, sometimes downy, and broadly elliptical with pointed tips; stems are protected by long narrow thorns, found at the leaf axils. Foliage is evergreen or deciduous, depending on the species and climate. True flowers, in groups of 1 to 3 are tubular, creamy white to yellow and around 1 inch wide, largely hidden by brightly colored petal-like bracts.

Problems

Mealybug and scale can be a problem indoors and aphids can be troublesome outdoors. Keep plants out of high traffic areas to avoid injury from the thorns.

Garden Uses

Plants can be grown in containers and used around pools, giving a distinctive southern feel to an area. They can also be espaliered or trained on a standard or grown in a large basket. They are large billowing plants that have a nice texture as well as colorful flower bracts. In a greenhouse or sunroom, they will require ample room to spread.

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Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Society Plant Finder