Purples, reds, whites, lately oranges as well as two-tones... One cannot think of a Greek summer landscape without the beautiful bougainvillea to give color to every corner, to the yards of the houses, or in combination with the white and blue of our islands. And yet it is not Mediterranean but a tropical plant that comes from Brazil! It is perhaps one of the most beautiful spring climbing plants. Bougainvillea are a favorite choice of gardeners to cover fences, pergolas and balconies, as they can exceed ten meters in height. But let's see what are the basic steps for its care, so that it gives us this rich and impressive flowering!
- It can be transplanted in the soil, but also in a pot. If we plant the bougainvillea in a pot on the balcony, we choose dwarf varieties which have better growth and flowering in limited space. If we plant the bougainvillea in soil that is poor in nutrients or if the place has low temperatures, the dark purple bougainvillea is more resistant to frost and barren dry soils than the other varieties. In any case, there are different types of bougainvillea with flowers in many colors to choose from.
- As a tropical plant, bougainvillea needs plenty of light. So plant it in a place where the sun will see it. Keep in mind that your bougainvillea will not bloom unless it gets enough direct sunlight, at least 8 hours each day.
- Bougainvilleas hate the very low temperatures and the air. So be sure to plant it near a wall, on a pergola, or in an air-protected area of your garden and support it well. If you want it to rise quickly, for example from the garden to the railings of your terrace, place a pergola or tie a wire (with plastic lining, like a cable) to the railings and support its branches on it. Do not tighten it too much with the string or the green wire for the plants because its branches (as long as they are still green and not wood) are very tender and break easily.
- Bougainvillea has no special requirements for watering. Excessive watering affects its flowering. During the flowering period, the watering of the bougainvillea should be relatively limited, it should be more frequent in the summer period, while in the winter period we reduce it to a great extent. Large bougainvilleas, planted in the ground, with a deep strong root system, need minimal water.
- If the bougainvillea is planted in the ground, the addition of a complete fertilizer in the spring will significantly help in its growth and flowering. Of course, excessive fertilization, with nitrogen fertilizers, during the flowering period, has negative consequences, as it contributes to the development of vibrant vegetation and the reduction of flowering. If the bougainvillea is planted in a pot, add small amounts of complete water-soluble fertilizer, fortified with iron and magnesium once a month, during the spring.
- It is pruned every year in early spring, after the winter frost has passed. Generally we do not do strict pruning, we just remove the dry branches of the old vegetation, the weak shoots and the greedy ones from the base of the bougainvillea. Finally, it is necessary to cut the thin stems that remain after the flowers fall.
—- The branches of the bougainvillea, over the years turn into wood, so when you support it on a pergola, remember that you will not be able to move its branches. So choose a place where your bougainvillea will settle permanently and grow, giving you its beautiful flowers for many years.
