Duo of Bougainvilleas - Paperflower

Planting bougainvillea in open ground: in spring, after the last frost. In warm regions that are spared from true frosts. In slightly colder regions, certain varieties like Violet de Mèze can thrive in sunny and sheltered locations, such as a south-facing wall.

Whether in a pot or in open ground, bougainvillea requires maximum sunlight, a light, well-drained soil, with a tendency towards acidity, and in any case without excessive limestone. The optimum pH is between 5.5 and 6.5. When planting, we recommend mixing 2/3 of compost with 1/3 of garden soil. Water without excess, Bougainvillea is a plant that prefers dry soil and can withstand drought once well established. A less watered bougainvillea will have more flowers, but its growth will be slower. Water regularly during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Decrease the frequency of watering in winter.

Food is not absolutely necessary, except in depleted soil. It is possible to provide fertiliser (low in nitrogen) during the growing and flowering period, usually from spring until the end of summer. We recommend a base fertilizer with a ratio of 1N (nitrogen unit), 0.75P (phosphorus unit), 2.5K (potassium unit). Stop feeding during the vegetative rest period, i.e. in winter.

Bougainvillea can be trained according to your preferences. As a ground cover, let nature take its course. This climbing shrub requires support. You can train it on a trellis attached to a wall or an arch, by regularly winding the young, thin and flexible shoots around the support. Use flexible, non-metallic ties to attach the branches. Be careful, some varieties have very thorny stems!

Prune sparingly: pruning should be done in late winter, when the plant starts to grow again. It should be light to avoid inhibiting the plant's growth. It is preferable to bend the branches horizontally or towards the ground. This technique effectively stimulates branching.

Pot planting for indoor use:
For most varieties, it is preferable to plant them in pots so that they can be brought indoors before autumn. In a pot, you can bring your plant inside a veranda, behind a bay window, or a window. Choose a quality, lightweight, fibrous potting soil, rich in blonde turf. Water regularly during the growing season and provide fertilizer with a ratio of 1N (nitrogen unit), 0.75P (phosphorus unit), 2.5K (potassium unit). Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Decrease the frequency of watering in winter and stop fertilizing.