A strong-growing, evergreen climber with glossy, elliptic mid-deep green leaves to 13cm long. Favoured for white to magenta flowers borne on the ends of new growth from Summer to Autumn in the UK. Frost tender. Although often seen as a climbing plant, Bougainvillea can also be seen as free standing trees or as hedging material.
BONSAI CULTIVATION NOTES
POSITION Full sun in a warm position, protect from frosts in Winter.
FEEDING Every two weeks during growing season with low nitrogen fertiliser.
REPOTTING Every three to four years in Spring in a free-draining soil mix. Prune roots lightly. To encourage flowering allow to become rootbound.
PRUNING Trim back long extension growth continually to keep compact, hard prune in early Spring. Bougainvillea are very susceptible to rot and all cuts should be sealed with cut paste.
PROPAGATION Softwood cuttings in early Spring, semi-ripe cuttings in Summer, air-layer in Autumn or Spring.
PESTS AND DISEASES Red spider mites, mealy bugs, aphids and white flies can all be a problem when grow indoors.
STYLING All forms except formal upright, broom and literati. Suitable for medium to extra large sizes.
