This Bougainvillea Live Plant, a stunning Imperial Thai Delight variety, showcases vibrant pink and white bracts, often mistaken as the flowers themselves. These colorful bracts are actually modified leaves that protect the small, trumpet-shaped true flowers nestled within. Enjoy a profusion of blooms, especially after winter dormancy and a dry winter.

Benefits:

• Adds vibrant color to your garden.
• Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Relatively easy to care for.
• Can be grown in containers or in the ground.

Bougainvilleas thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming. Insufficient sunlight can result in sparse growth and reduced flowering. As tropical natives, they revel in sunny conditions, making them ideal for warm climates.

Proper fertilization is essential. Begin fertilizing with an all-purpose fertilizer just before new growth appears and cease a few weeks before the first expected frost. The frequency depends on the fertilizer type; liquid and quick-release granular fertilizers require more frequent applications, while slow-release granular fertilizers need less.

Regular pruning is crucial to maintain your bougainvillea’s desired size and shape. Encourage new blooms by removing faded or dead flowers. For plants with branches originating from the roots, selectively prune by removing the oldest branches to promote new, productive growth. Always use clean, sharp tools and make angled cuts just above a bud. Fertilize after pruning to encourage new growth.

New bougainvillea plants need more frequent watering until fully rooted and established. Water slowly and deeply, ensuring the entire root ball is saturated. Avoid watering at night to prevent disease. Increase watering frequency if the plant wilts between waterings. Plants in hot, humid, or sunny areas, and those in containers, require more frequent watering.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How tall will this bougainvillea get? This plant is approximately 25-30 inches tall in a 1-gallon pot.
• What type of fertilizer should I use? Use an all-purpose fertilizer recommended for flowering plants, following the package directions.
• How often should I water my new bougainvillea? Check for water regularly until fully rooted and established, watering deeply when the soil feels dry.
• Can I grow this bougainvillea in a container? Yes, bougainvilleas thrive in containers, but may require more frequent watering.
• What should I do if my bougainvillea stops blooming? Ensure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight and fertilize regularly during the growing season.