Home & Garden
 Bougainvillea
Spectacular Vines for Hot, Sunny Gardens
(Bougainvillea spectabilis)
I often refer to my little boogie and my neighbor’s, as the
“Bougainvilleas From Hell,” because the vines can and will
extend over fences, up trees, down driveways and, in the case of
my neighbor's boogie, up his tall Deodar Cedar.
This year, I got a pleasant surprise when my
Seafoam boogie (better known for its showy clusters of white
bracts which blush pink in the springtime), developed a vine of
red bracts.
A drive down any street in South Africa,
Australia, Hawaii and, of course, Southern California, would
find the Bougainvillea right at home--so much so that you would
think that it was a native. Of the 14 or so species that have
been listed in botanical journals, only two have any importance
in Southern California. Bougainvillea spectabilis and B. glabra
and their combined progeny make up the parentage of the more
that 25 varieties currently grown commercially.
This native of Brazil was named in honor of
the French navigator De Bougainville and has been widely
distributed throughout the temperate zones of the globe.
Cultural Information
Bougainvilleas thrive in hot, sunny areas in
the garden. From the desert to the sea, they are right at home
even in the most adverse of conditions.
Young plants can be severely damaged or even
killed by heavy frost, so be prepared to provide some winter
protection if heavy frost is predicted.
When planting your bougainvillea, be aware
that the roots will not hold the rootball together. It is
advisable to cut the bottom out of the container when planting,
then slip or cut the pot away from the plant.
Keep the new shoots tied to their supports to
prevent whipping in the wind and watch out for the thorns--they
can hurt.
Planting Instructions
Step 1 – Dig a
hole twice the size of the root ball.
Step 2 – Using a
planting compost (I use E.B. Stone Planting Compost), thoroughly
mix one part soil and one part planting compost. In the bottom
of the hole add a small handful of E. B. Stone Sure Start and
mix thoroughly. Place plant in hole making sure the top of the
original root ball is at the same level as the surrounding soil.
Firmly tamp soil to remove any air pockets. Make a 4-inch berm
around the plant to allow for deep irrigation.
Step 3 --- Water
in with root stimulator.
Bougainvillea -- Versatile and Beautiful
We generally think of the bougainvillea as a
large sprawling vine that will cover huge expanses of fence row
or cover an entire patio. However, there are a great number of
varieties that have been selected for their compact growth
characteristics.
These smaller versions of their larger sisters
are ideal for uses as:
Ground Cover
La Jolla - Temple Fire - Raspberry Ice
Patio Trees
Torch Glow - Rosenka
Hanging Baskets
Oo-La-La - Rosenka - Purple Queen
Container Plantings
Ms. Alice - Silhouette - Rosenka
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When To
Prune |
How To
Fertilize |
Watering
Needs |
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Don't be afraid to prune. Pruning is done
to renew plant shape, redirect growth and remove any dead
or dying wood.
Major pruning should be done only after all danger of
frost is past.
Nip back the long growth during the growing season which
will help increase flowering. |
1 - Feed monthly
with E. B. Stone All Purpose Fertilizer. During the summer
switch over to Green Light Super Bloom to encourage strong
flowering.
2- Control leaf chlorosis or yellowing by applying Ironite
in mid-spring and again in the fall.
3- Evenly distribute the fertilizer under the plant.
4- In September an application of Sul - Po - Mag will help
prepare them for winter and be more resistant to cold
weather. |
Over watering is the most common reason
that bougainvilleas fail to flower. Overwatering can also
cause root rot which can be fatal. Always test the soil by
feeling. If moist, don’t water.
Every second or third watering, it is advisable to deeply
irrigate to allow for any accumulated salts to be leached
from the root area. |
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Selection Guide
Barbara Karst Bright fuchsia-red blossoms. Vine.
California Gold Golden yellow blossoms. Vine.
Camarillo Fiesta Hot pink with burnished gold. Vine.
Cherry Blossom Rose-pink with white centers. Vine.
Don Mario Dark purple-red flowers. Vine.
James Walker Reddish-purple flowers. Vine.
Manila Red Double-red flowers. Vine.
Mary Palmer's Enchantment Pure white blossoms. Vine.
Oo-La-La Magenta-red flowers. Bush.
Purple Queen Deep-purple blossoms. Bush.
Raspberry Ice Pink blooms on variegated leaves. Bush.
Rosenka Pinkish-gold flowers. Bush.
Scarlett O'Hara or San Diego Red Blood-red blossoms.
Vine.
Silhouette Bright-pink blossoms. Bush.
Ms. Alice Bright-white flowers. Bush.
Orange King Bright orange blooms. Vine.
Source:
http://www.bgi-usa.com/
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