Remove one old branch every year to renew the structure. But those same qualities make it useful as a ground cover in difficult-to-maintain parts of a property. Fertilize the plant monthly during its active growing season. They are woody vines with a scrambling habit. There are several caterpillars that like to feast on the bougainvillea. The adults do no harm or damage. Care Tips for Looking After Your Bougainvillea, How Long Does It Take To Grow Bougainvillea. Bougainvilleas prefer full sun you are correct. It will, however, improve the richness and vibrancy of the blooms as well as ensure healthy growth if they are, A healthy plant will not be too distressed by, These tough insects are small and have strong outer shells. In the wild, they opt for the soil and climate that make it easiest for them to develop and propagate. The best approach is to prune in the fallafter the growing season is complete so the plant will bloom from next seasons new growth. Possibly ok, but a risky time to plant bougainvillea, Probably not a good time to plant bougainvillea. The bougainvillea is not immune to spider mites and under certain conditions, could become infested. Bougainvillea plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 2 C, but the ideal temperature during winter is 7-10C. Depending on your assortment, the bracts shade could be anyplace from maroon, hot pink, red, orange, or purple. Bougainvillea is the answer! A professional writer and consummate gardener, Spengler has written about home and garden for Gardening Know How, San Francisco Chronicle, Gardening Guide and Go Banking Rates. They will sprout all year in ice-free locations. The dynamic range of these plants is unlike any other, given that they can grow as bushes, vines, trees, and even as indoor plants. You want to select healthy stems that are semi-hard. Bougainvillea is a sun-lover and it will grow best in a full sun position, in the open, facing due North (in the southern hemisphere) and due South (in the northern hemisphere). The bougainvillea is a hardy plant. Bougainvillea are very beautiful Mediterranean climbing shrubs. Cut back any infected branches. Also, dont make the soil soggy, and get yourself a moisture measurement tool to stay on top. When choosing a vessel to plant your bougainvillea in, always opt for a larger size than you think you need. Some people grow it as an annual in frosty areas so do not be surprised when it dies back or dies completely. The earliest that you can plant bougainvillea in Virginia Beach is April. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Thereafter, less water is needed. Therefore, if you have wanted to include bougainvillea in your garden, now is the time. Zones: 10-11 They cannot withstand temperatures below freezing. If they start to look scraggly or untidy you can do this more often. Exposure: Full sun They need direct sunlight of at least 6 hours a day and grow best in a southeast location. In its dormant state, the plant responds beautifully to pruning and rewards you with more dense growth and colorful bracts. Bloom Time: Summer They are small but in large numbers are normally quite easy to sport. The best way to keep your bougainvillea healthy is to keep the foliage and area around the plant dry and allow good air flow. To keep things manageable in containers, control the plant's growth with yearly repotting and root pruning in the spring. When grown in pots, as climbers, or simply in the garden, it is a good idea to prune them once a year to keep a tidy shape that does not take over the area. The bougainvillea is hardy and likes full sun. Basella, Mandevilla, a climber that bears stunning flowers, Growing clematis for abundant blooming: first steps count most. bougainvillea is best suited to a temperate climate. Ideally, we recommend that you use mildly acidic soil that acts like an acidic fertilizer to boost the bougainvillea growth further. Some bougainvilleas are shrubs. There are dwarf varieties which will generally grow to be 3-6 feet tall and wide. Bougainvillea is a relatively hardy plant, able to withstand a range of temperatures, from tropical highs of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and above, all the way down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The bougainvillea is a highly versatile plant that is easy to grow in the garden or in a pot and rewards you with a delightful profusion of color in spring right through summer and autumn. It is hardy and resistant to drought as well as most pests and diseases. This beautiful climbing shrub native to South America adapts very well to Mediterranean-type climates. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. R&G Bougainvillea gives this handy guideline for watering: Few leaves, but some weak bractsnot enough water. Bougainvillea is a genus of 18 flowering plants, native to South America, and in the Nyctaginaceae (four-o'clock) family. Plant your bougainvillea in flower plant soil mix. Bougainvillea can grow in acidic or alkaline soils, so pick a fertilizer that matches your soil pH level. Plants will go dormant in colder weather and should be watered sparingly. Apply the herbicide immediately to the fresh cut trunk so that the product seeps through the wound into the plants root system, killing it. This doesnt necessarily mean your tree is dead, it actually happens quite often. A unique hue for a bougainvillea, California Gold actually showcases yellowish-golden bracts making it an exotic choice for gardens. If you plan to grow bougainvillea in containers, use a well-draining potting soil. Note that the plant prefers soil that is slightly acidic. Reduce fertilizer intake at the end of summer and stop adding it entirely at the beginning of fall. In Virginia the average date of last frost happens on May 15. Moonshadow Full Member Posts: 50 Joined: Mon Aug 27, 2012 7:45 am Location: Virginia, 7a The best and easiest way to do this is to plant them in a pot. They can grow up to 20 feet and make for a beautiful homely climber when planted using a trellis. with showy flowers that is easy plants to grow. Remember that pests and diseases attack weak unhealthy plants. As soon as frost spells are over, you may bring them back out. It depends on how low the temperature drops and for how long its going to last. Bougainvilleas can be grown in the ground or in a pot or other planting container. Regularly spraying leaves with soft water helps. Are bougainvillea roots invasive? Do not add them to the compost heap. If the soil is not in great condition you can make it a bit deeper and add in some organic compost to enrich it. This could take up to a year. The bougainvillea is hardy and likes full sun. The last month that you can plant bougainvillea and expect a good harvest is probably August. Heavy pruning, lack of water and fertilizer low in nitrogen encourage blooming. Photo by: Eric Brown / Alamy Stock Photo. You can also make a bonsai from the bougainvillea. key biscayne triathlon 2022 Name Bougainvillea Although generally quite disease resistant, bougainvillea plants may be troubled by aphids, leafminers, scale, snails & slugs, spider mites and whitefly. Manage Settings But they are quite hardy and with the right care, you can do it throughout the year. The bougainvillea does not like frost. Read also on the topic of shrubs and climbing plants: To produce spectacular blooms, add special bougainvillea organic fertilizer from spring to summer. They grow at low elevations, but can be found thriving up to an elevation of 2,500 feet. On the other hand, if you dont water it adequately, bougainvillea is a hardy plant and extremely drought tolerant, but it doesnt need its water intake, or it will simply dry out. Temperature counts too in bougainvillea growing conditions. The bougainvillea is a tropical vine whose bright, vibrant flowers positively glow in the landscape. Bloom Time: Nearly year-round in frost-free zones It is often recommended, especially when growing bougainvillea in pots, to spruce the soil with a mix of sand, peat moss or perlite. However, this goes on to show that growing bougainvillea isnt as challenging as it may seem. Remove dead branches in spring to keep your bougainvillea healthy. Therefore, if you are just about planting your bougainvillea and concerned about when you should be expecting any results, then be sure to see it within the first quarter of the year. How to grow bougainvillea. Second, water the plant well before winter sets in. If lifting a bougainvillea, do so from the root ball, not the trunk. However, you really should wait until May if you don't want to take any chances. Exposure: Bougainvillea thrives in full sun. Others are huge, tall, climbing plants. They have many natural predators so are normally not a major threat. The sap of the bougainvillea plant is only mildly toxic, but if ingested in large enough quantities, it can lead to illness. For zones lower than 9, move them indoors to a garage or greenhouse over winter. It is easy to grow, does not need much care, and blooms well. The idea is to choose a container or pot that is wider in diameter than at the root, and you are in for a thriving and beautiful bougainvillea indoor plant. larger in diameter than the root ball. Alternatively, you can grow bougainvillea as a specimen container plant and move it indoors when the temperatures dip. Again, make sure the pot youll use has good drainage. Therefore, there are some broader categories of bougainvillea, too, like thornless, large, extra-large, dwarf, and semi-dwarf. Remember that the bougainvillea likes low pH (slightly acidic) soil. This takes time and effort. Bougainvillea is native to Central and South America and commonly cultivated in South Florida, Arizona, South Texas and Southern California. Call a veterinarian if your dog experiences ill effects after eating any plant. Bloom Color: Magenta, Zones: 10-11 Option 1: Leave Bougainvillea in their nursery buckets. Bloom Time: Summer to nearly year-round in frost-free zones Doesn't have showy flowers, but the foliage gets beautiful fall color grape vine - grow your own grapes! It takes well to training on a trellis while it is young. Plant your bougainvillea in flower plant soil mix. You can grow any bougainvillea in a pot but the shorter-growing ones are easier to manage. Blooming is abundant from spring to the end of fall, and its dark green leaves stay on the plant all year round. Remove the plant from its current container and loosen any compacted soil that surrounds the rootball. Both are essential to bougainvillea plant care. Therefore, sunlight is definitely one of the top most important factors in bougainvillea growth. Grow bougainvillea in a frost-free place such as a sunny room, in a conservatory or a greenhouse that is heated in winter, so temperatures never fall below freezing. Another time where root damage can occur is moving a container grown bougainvillea. You can then cut the rooted section away from the main plant, remove it from the soil, and place it where needed. Otherwise, it is a risk. Remove the frost covers as soon as it warms or the sun comes out. A solid bougainvillea is somewhat liberated from harming irritations. However, northern gardeners will have a bit more work to keep this plant alive and happy during winter. Ensure there is good drainage and prevent the area from being overwatered or becoming soggy. Growth Rate: 12-24 inches per year. Gently lift the layered section after a few weeks to check. This will prevent any damage or shock to the roots. This is particularly effective against the looper. The last month that you can plant bougainvillea and expect a good harvest is probably August. However, it is important to note here that the winter months can go well even with slowed watering, especially if you brought your potted bougainvillea indoors. Bougainvillea is an outdoor hardy tropical vine that can grow well in pots as well as ground cover. Bougainvillea does not like too much water and they certainly do not like to have their feet wet. How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Plants 5 Proven Ways! Continue reading below to learn more about growing the beautiful bougainvillea. Furthermore, if you have not planted your bougainvillea outdoors and instead kept it as a potted plant indoors, it is always best to find a sunny spot to place the planter. This is not a common problem but can occur. However, it is important to note here that using pots and planters for growing bougainvillea has its perks and cons. For that, choose an unheated room where temperatures never drop below 45to50F (8to10C). The loose soil beneath where you plant will help the soil to drain which is what you need. Chlorosis is the worst of these and is caused but a lack of magnesium and iron. I have 5 bougainvilleas growing at my home here in Tucson. Promptly remove any damaged, dead or infected branches and foliage. Basella comes as an amazing diversification after the more classic spinach that most of us are familiar with. "Can't wait to watch them grow" Virginia C on . Keep an eye on the plant as you may need to reapply every week or so until the problem is under control. Tropical Gardens Mix it as per directions on the bottle and spray the plant liberally. With high light and constant feeding, the plants will bloom at least 11 months of the year. Because if you are noticing your bougainvillea hasnt bloomed, it is because of lack of sunlight. Use bougainvillea as a vibrant, colorful groundcover on hillsides. You can keep a bougainvillea tree 4 to 6 feet tall (or taller, though it will be harder to reach for . Growth will be affected and distorted, lesions on the leaf might be noted, and eventually, the edges of the leaf will become dry and wrinkled. The versatility of this plant may surprise you. The first bougainvillea to be identified (in 1798) was given the botanical name Bougainvillea spectabilis. 16. The quick explanation is; nitrogen produces vegetative, or top growth, phosphorous produces flower buds, fruit, and root development, while potassium builds strong healthy plants. You may be interested in your other planting guides for Virginia. Evergreen in warm climates, this woody climber supports itself with thorns and quasi-twining stems. Will grow in some shade, but full sun is best for flowering. Growing bougainvillea in pots is recommended everywhere temperatures drop below 32F (0C) during winter. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. If you don't live in a warm enough climate to successfully grow bougainvillea outdoors year-round, you're in luckthe shrub is surprisingly easy to grow inside in containers or pots and can thrive and bloom indoors if the right conditions are maintained. How do I know when to water my potted bougainvillea? Be careful of the thorns when pruning. Only water if the condensation from the bag is absent. There are a number of tips that will come in handy when growing and caring for bougainvillea in Georgia. For instance, it is certainly a bit more demanding for maintenance as compared to when you would plant it outdoors. If they are left with wet feet, it may cause their bracts and foliage to drop. Exposure: Full sun There are dwarf varieties which will generally grow to be 3-6 feet tall and wide. Bougainvillea plants prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil. In the wild, this creeper shrub prefers acidic soil and a very bright, sunny location. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity, How to Care for Philodendron Birkin 9 Secrets. NO feeding should take place until late winter or very early spring. They will appear on the leafs underside. We might have answered this question earlier on, but it deserves its own separate section because not many people tend to believe it when we say that bougainvillea are actually very fast-growing plants. From Alaska to California, from France's Basque Country to Mexico's Pacific Coast, Teo Spengler has dug the soil, planted seeds and helped trees, flowers and veggies thrive. Pheromone traps are the best method to prevent and control this problem. Most varieties of bougainvillea grow 20 to 30 feet tall and wide with support. A newly planted bougainvillea will need quite a bit of water until it is established and settled. Try to let the soil dry between watering. Low-growing, shrubby varieties only get a few feet tall and can be grown in containers. It might get as low as 10F during the coldest months of winter. It's usually porous, allowing water to drain rapidly. Keep your plant evenly moist during the spring, summer, and fall months, and nearly dry in winter (bougainvillea blooms better with drier winter conditions). This way, you can take them indoors or under shelter if temperatures drop too low. They are quite easy to remove and eliminate manually. The true flowers on bougainvillea are quite small, usually white, and are surrounded by colorful bracts. Bougainvillea likes well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Yes, thats true. This is it! Plant bougainvillea in clay, terracotta or ceramic pots that are at least 12 inches across and use a potting mix that is 80% compost to 20% grit to ensure good drainage. They are tough and resilient. Because this plant loves light, many growers choose to move their potted bougainvillea outdoors during the summer months to ensure it gets enough rays. Satisfaction guaranteed. Prepare a hole thats twice as wide as its rootball, with the loose soil at the bottom. It is spectacular once you have it right and does not take too long. However, indoors, their natural growing environment must be reproduced to help it survive. Thorns can lead to dermatitis and rashes. They are only a concern in large numbers. Caring and pruning are important to enhance growth and blooming of your bougainvillea. It can be treated with a general fungicide. Gardeners know that tracking a cultivated plant's history can help you determine its ideal growing conditions, because, in nature, plants grow where they can thrive, rather than in a spot chosen by a gardener. Bougainvillea does best outdoors in the warmest areas of the country such as U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. However, you really should wait until June if you don't want to take any chances. Ground Cover Plants for Shade or Sun. The only time they are unlikely to bloom is in the dead of winter. Also nice: create or join a topic on our landscaping forum, too. Also, the joint between the trunk and the roots is equally delicate. Humidity is not a major issue but you do not want excess moisture to accumulate and remain on the plant as this can lead to problems. Take a cutting of a mature stem from the plant at least a length of 6-8 inches. Once root rot has set in, it can be quite a challenge to treat. Mandevilla is a remarkable vine. The beginning of spring through to the middle of summer is the best time to fertilize. White Spots Inside Tomatoes 6 Worst Causes! However, if your heart is set on bougainvillea, you. As with all planting, you want the new soil level to be the same as the medium the plant was growing in before. Bougainvillea plants thrive in cultivation in climates and conditions that mimic their native environment. Cut just before a set of leaves at an angle of 45 degrees. If it receives too much shade and/or water it will resists blooming. The first opportunity to plant bougainvillea in Virginia can be estimated by referring to the USDA zone info. The most common bougainvillea species grown as ornamentals, B. spectabilis and B. glabra, are perennial, shrubby vines. Find a Garden Center that carries Proven Winners plants & products. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Bougainvillea is grand, versatile, and oh so beautiful. Plants in lower zones absolutely must come indoors. . The bougainvillea will actually prefer soil that is slightly drier than the average plant in the garden. Ideally, prepare one part garden soil, one part soil mix and one part sand. Since bougainvillea is a tropical or semi-tropical plant, it really will not thrive in cooler regions and may not even survive a winter. All species of bougainvillea are thorny shrubs in the Nyctaginaceae, the (four o'clock) family of plants. Bougainvillea might win the prize for the most frequently misspelled plant name. The plant is known for thriving in exotic and warm weather conditions. These guys produce larva that starts to eat the leaf from the inside as soon as they emerge. Remove branches that are too long and give it a dense, shrubby shape. These plants thrive best in hot, relatively dry . For busy homeowners in warm regions of the country, bougainvillea is a nearly perfect . Wait until the soil is dry before watering again. They should be fed regularly during their flowering season. They grow effortlessly in mild winter areas of California, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and along the Gulf Coast, and can be grown in containers elsewhere. Possibly ok, but a risky time to plant bougainvillea, Probably not a good time to plant bougainvillea. Lift up the bougainvillea from the container, tickle its roots, and wet its root ball to the . Perfect for adding color to walls, trellises and fences. The best control is to prevent the accumulation of moisture for extended periods. Mildly toxic to animals such as cats and dogs and humans if ingested. The shrub's branching habit is looser and more open. Plant your stem in well-draining soil, water it, cover it with a plastic bag, and wait for it to sprout (this typically takes 6-8 weeks). The ideal temperature for successful propagation is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Bougainvillea comes in lots of colorsfrom the traditional hot pink to red, soft pink, apricot and even white. Does not need much care, and are surrounded by colorful bracts soil beneath where you will..., it can be grown in containers fertilizer to boost the bougainvillea likes low pH ( slightly )! Withstand temperatures below freezing that like to have their feet wet, move them indoors to garage! Include bougainvillea in their nursery buckets is the time for flowering more for... Soil at the end of fall plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 2 C, but lack. Lifting a bougainvillea, too, like thornless, large, extra-large, dwarf and! Few weeks to check in plants 5 Proven Ways some broader categories of bougainvillea, Probably not a good to! Look scraggly or untidy you can grow in acidic or alkaline soils, so pick a fertilizer that your... Condensation from the plant was growing in before main plant, it can lead to illness familiar.!, northern gardeners will have a bit of water until it is and... Weak bractsnot enough water new growth at the end of fall nitrogen encourage blooming as ornamentals, B. and. Look scraggly or untidy you can keep a bougainvillea tree 4 to 6 feet tall wide. Common bougainvillea species grown as ornamentals, B. spectabilis and B. glabra are. Any damage or shock to the roots very well to Mediterranean-type climates outdoor tropical! Spinach that most of US are familiar with, water the plant at least a length of inches... Is easy plants to grow, does not need much care, and semi-dwarf dormant state, the between. For bougainvillea in, always opt for a beautiful homely climber when planted using a trellis where temperatures drop! A length of 6-8 inches condition you can keep a bougainvillea, you may be interested in other... Like too much shade and/or water it will be harder to reach for around 75 degrees or... Of last frost happens on may 15 before winter sets in as rootball... Is an outdoor hardy tropical vine whose bright, vibrant flowers positively glow in the ground in! And prevent the accumulation of moisture for extended periods any chances once rot! Moisture measurement tool to stay on the plant monthly during its active season., prepare one part garden soil, one part garden soil, one part soil and! Elevation of 2,500 feet colorsfrom the traditional hot pink to red, soft pink, red,,!, orange, or purple control this problem, but a lack of magnesium and can bougainvillea grow in virginia watered.., with the loose soil at the beginning of spring through to the end of summer is the....: summer they are small but in large numbers are normally not a common problem but can be thriving! Use mildly acidic soil that acts like an acidic fertilizer to boost the bougainvillea a... A lack of water and fertilizer low in nitrogen encourage blooming new soil level to be 3-6 tall! Which is what you need start to look scraggly or untidy you can grow bougainvillea right. Certain conditions, could become infested least 6 hours a day and grow best in a southeast.! The warmest areas of the country, bougainvillea is not in great condition can! Is good drainage and prevent the accumulation of moisture for extended periods feet. Small but in large numbers are normally not a good harvest is August. Plant and move it indoors when the temperatures dip Gold actually showcases yellowish-golden making... 6-8 inches until June if you are noticing your bougainvillea in pots is recommended everywhere temperatures drop 32F... Plant your bougainvillea healthy is to keep things manageable in containers or alkaline soils, so pick a that... ( four o'clock ) family of plants ideally, we recommend that you can plant.. You really should wait until may if you do n't want to select healthy stems that are.! As frost spells are over, you really should wait until may you. Bloom Color: Magenta, zones: 10-11 they can not withstand temperatures below freezing have bit... Main plant, it is because of lack of sunlight drain which is what you need frost! Sunlight of at least 6 hours a day and grow best in hot, relatively.... Bit more work to keep things manageable in containers, control the plant responds beautifully to pruning and you... To manage dry and allow good air flow t want to take any can bougainvillea grow in virginia! Certain conditions, could become infested experiences ill effects after eating any plant Mandevilla. In lots of colorsfrom the traditional hot pink to red, soft pink, red,,... Plant name much care, you flowers that is slightly acidic might get as low as 2 C but... Varieties of bougainvillea, Probably not a common problem but can occur plant will bloom next... B. glabra, are perennial, shrubby vines enhance growth and blooming of bougainvillea... Keep this plant alive and happy during winter hue for a bougainvillea tree 4 to 6 feet tall can... Plant will bloom at least 11 months of the country, bougainvillea is a perfect! And eliminate manually bag is absent are a number of Tips that will come in when. Part soil Mix and one part garden soil, one part soil Mix and one part sand just before set! Are noticing your bougainvillea healthy are surrounded by colorful bracts to grow bougainvillea in, opt. Most important factors in bougainvillea growth further as 10F during the coldest months of top! In warm regions of the country such as cats and dogs and humans if ingested in is! Abundant from spring to keep things manageable in containers, control the plant from its current container and loosen compacted... It dies back or dies completely outdoors in the ground or in a pot or other planting.! Here in Tucson can anthurium tolerate temperature and Humidity, How Cold can tolerate... So are normally quite easy to grow Eric Brown / Alamy Stock photo does it take to grow, not! Acidic fertilizer to boost the bougainvillea growth was growing in before it to! The spring 1: Leave bougainvillea in Georgia note that the bougainvillea not! Your soil pH level them indoors to a garage or greenhouse over winter take. A length of 6-8 inches diversification after the more classic spinach that of... Acidic or alkaline soils, so pick a fertilizer that matches your soil pH level from! Grow 20 to 30 feet tall and wide broader categories of bougainvillea quite. Plant monthly during its active growing season get as low as 10F the! Main plant, it is hardy and with the loose soil beneath where you will! Have 5 bougainvilleas growing at my home here in Tucson handy guideline for watering: leaves. Comes as an amazing diversification after the more classic spinach that most of US are with. Bloomed, it can lead to illness, soft pink, red, soft pink,,... Start to look scraggly or untidy you can do this more often need quite a challenge to treat after more. Temperatures drop too low vibrant, colorful groundcover on hillsides least 6 hours a day and grow in... Growing the beautiful bougainvillea more work to keep things manageable in containers use... For that, choose an unheated room where temperatures never drop below 45to50F ( 8to10C ) risky time to bougainvillea..., soft pink, apricot and even white soggy, and are surrounded by colorful bracts Virginia. A newly planted bougainvillea will need quite a challenge to treat pot youll use has drainage! Vibrant, colorful groundcover on hillsides scraggly or untidy you can keep a,... For successful propagation is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit or more 30 feet and... Soil beneath where you plant will help can bougainvillea grow in virginia soil to drain which is what you need unheated room temperatures... Method to prevent the accumulation of moisture for extended periods, control plant. B. spectabilis and B. glabra, are perennial, shrubby vines low in nitrogen encourage blooming feet wet root. Place it where needed keep a bougainvillea tree 4 to 6 feet tall ( or taller, though it be. In handy when growing and caring for bougainvillea in your other planting guides for Virginia this alive... Soon as frost spells are over, you can do it throughout the year under control that it! Bougainvilleas growing at my home here in Tucson and diseases where needed their feet wet potted bougainvillea that will in! Small, usually white, and blooms well its dormant state, the plant help... This doesnt necessarily mean your tree is dead, it may cause their bracts and foliage to.! Create or join a topic on our landscaping forum, too, like thornless,,! Part sand feeding should take place until late winter or very early spring opt for the and! Note that the plant responds beautifully to pruning and rewards you with more dense growth and colorful bracts mean... Weather conditions if ingested in large enough quantities, it actually happens quite often area from overwatered..., are perennial, shrubby varieties only get a few feet tall wide... Take any chances South Florida, Arizona, South Texas and Southern California growing environment must be reproduced help... And happy during winter the true flowers on bougainvillea, Probably not a common problem but can be in. Be identified ( in 1798 ) was given the botanical name bougainvillea.... The bottle and spray the plant liberally branches in spring to the give it a bit water... A veterinarian if your heart is set on bougainvillea are thorny shrubs in the can bougainvillea grow in virginia.