16 saves
Bougainvillea
We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Bougainvillea varieties
Track your Bougainvillea in Sow
Save the Bougainvillea you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Bougainvillea
Whats common across all Bougainvillea varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Bougainvillea year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Prune lightly after the main flowering cycle to shape and encourage dense branching.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a controlled-release, low-phosphorus, high-potassium fertiliser to boost flowering.
- Check for PestsJune and July67% of varieties
Check foliage for spider mites during hot, dry periods and treat with a strong water jet or miticide.
Do
- Plant in a position that receives full sun to ensure optimal bract development.
- Improve soil drainage before planting to prevent waterlogged roots.
- Apply a low-phosphorus, high-potassium fertiliser in spring to encourage flowering.
- Provide full, intense sun for maximum flowering.
- Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Avoid
- Do not over-fertilise with nitrogen, as this promotes excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
- Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained soils where root rot can develop.
- Do not cut back radically into old, leafless woody stems.
- Don't overwater, as this leads to root rot and poor flowering.
What goes wrong with Bougainvillea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on new growth, sticky honeydew. | Spray with a strong jet of water. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavier infestations. |
| Mealybugs and scale insects | White cottony masses or small shell-like bumps on stems and leaves, causing sticky honeydew and sooty mould. | Treat with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap. |
| Spider mites | Stippled, faded foliage, particularly during hot, dry conditions. | Apply miticide or use strong water jet blasts. |
| Bougainvillea Looper Caterpillar | Scalloped leaf edges and skeletonized leaves, often noticed overnight. | Hand-pick caterpillars. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), an organic insecticide that targets caterpillars. |
| Root rot (Phytophthora/Pythium) | Wilting and sudden collapse of the plant, caused by overwatering or poor drainage. | Improve soil drainage and apply an appropriate fungicide if caught early. |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, and plant decline, despite the soil being moist. | Prevention is key. Ensure excellent drainage and allow soil to dry out. Reduce watering. Fungicides are rarely effective. |
| Root rot | Leaf yellowing, wilting, and sudden leaf drop caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soil. | Improve soil drainage immediately, reduce watering frequency, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. |
Making more Bougainvillea
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings during the warmer months.
- Treat the cut ends with rooting hormone.
- Insert cuttings into a well-draining propagation medium.
- Maintain warmth and moderate humidity until roots establish.
Bougainvillea questions
How many types of Bougainvillea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Bougainvillea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 16 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Bougainvillea grow in?
Across its varieties, Bougainvillea covers USDA Zones 9–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Bougainvillea bloom?
Most Bougainvillea varieties bloom in early summer, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Bougainvillea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.