The Only Bougainvillea Winter Care Guide You Will Ever Need!

Gardening is one of the most underrated hobbies of all time. The pure satisfaction that you get from watching something you nurtured grow and thrive is different! And it becomes even more pleasing when the vibrant blooms come with a decorative flair, and add a splash of color to your garden that lasts all year long!

But what if you live outside the USDA Hardiness Zones 9, 10, and 11? Can you make the evergreen blooms like bougainvillea thrive during those freezing winters?

Of course you can! And that is exactly what this blog is all about. Explore this ultimate Bougainvillea winter care guide to learn how to winterize this particular species, so that you can enjoy the vibrance of this tropical plant all year long!

Why is Winterizing a Bougainvillea Plant Necessary?

Bougainvillea is a tropical evergreen flowering vine that comes along with thorny, branching stems. The vine is native to South America, and thrives very well in warm climatic conditions.

However, the plant is extremely sensitive to cold and has zero tolerance for frost! It has a fibrous root system, which, once frozen, kills the entire plant. That is exactly why you need to take certain precautions if you want it to thrive all year long.

And winterizing a bougainvillea plant is easier than it seems! You just need to remember some best practices, and you can enjoy the sight of those vibrant blossoms throughout the year.

Let’s move on to the next section to learn in detail about the best practices of winterizing bougainvillea plants.

Bougainvillea Winter Care Process: The Ultimate Guide

So, before we begin the winter care guide, let’s take a quick look at the ways you can adapt to care for your favorite Bougainvillea vines.

Bougainvillea is a super low-maintenance plant! Which means it is very easy to take care of this species. But there are some non-negotiable requirements that you have to follow. For instance-

• Bougainvillea is a tropical plant. Hence, it needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. It doesn’t bloom in shady or partially shady conditions!
• A soggy soil is the silent killer for Bougainvilleas! So, wherever you have planted it- on the ground, or in a pot, make sure that the soil is well-drained. The vines require deep watering in their initial days.
• Always opt for the fertilizers that are specifically made for bougainvillea’s. Also, make sure to avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen content.

Now, let’s move on and explore the bougainvillea winter protection best practices that you’ve been waiting for.

So, if you live in a place where the temperature ranges from 18°F to 28°F (-8°C to -2°C), you have to give some extra bit of care to make sure that the plant remains healthy and yields those vibrant blossoms all year round.

Best Practices for Winterizing Bougainvillea Plants

• Make sure to provide the right level of moisture: Since bougainvillea is a tropical plant, it requires the right level of moisture to stay healthy and survive the freezing winters. So, the best way is to bring your bougainvillea vines indoors. Besides that, if you are more of a fan of indoor gardening, rest assured that your blossomy vines will surely thrive throughout the winter season.

• Make sure that the container/ planter has enough space: As mentioned in the previous section, bougainvillea consists of a fibrous root system. Therefore, if you have decided to take your winter potted bougainvillea care to the next level, use a container/ planter that has a larger diameter than the root ball of the plant.

While you are doing this, remember that soil quality plays a major role in such cases. Bougainvillea grows best on dry soil. However, since your planter/ container has a restricted space, the plant will definitely get better nourishment from the nutrient-rich soil. Apart from that, a constricted space means the soil can retain some moisture, which will eventually help the vine to survive and thrive in the winter.

• Make sure to prune it effectively: Pruning is another effective treatment that helps a bougainvillea plant to grow denser and emerge with more colorful bracts. So, if you are growing it as a container plant in a cool climate, you need to prune it every fall and move it indoors. And you also don’t need to seek inspiration for bougainvillea pruning ideas. Just cut it to a manageable size before the occurrence of frosts. The plant might go into a temporary dormant state after pruning, but it will revive in Spring.
• Make sure to give it less water: And now for the most important part. If you’ve planted the bougainvillea outdoors, you might need to water it frequently. However, if you have transferred the vine into a pot/ planter and shifted it indoors, make sure to feed it with less water, as evaporation won’t be as rapid as outdoors.
• Make sure not to add any kind of fertilizers to the soil: All along the winter season, when your plants are indoors, keep in mind not to add any kind of fertilizers to the pot. Why so?

Well, container plants tend to extract salts from the fertilizer. So, what you need to do is flush the container after a few days. This prevents root burn and lets the plant stay healthy. The most you can do is add some compost or well-rotten manure as a top layer of the container.

These handful of overwinterizing bougainvillea plant methods can work like magic, and help keep the plant healthy and blooming! Now, as the winter starts to fade and spring starts to show its colors, it starts to increase. And when the weather gets warm enough, shift the entire plant outdoors to kickstart its full bloom cycle!

F.A.Qs

1. How to Care for a Bougainvillea Plant?

Some of the best ways to take care of a bougainvillea plant are-

• Keep it under direct sunlight for a minimum of six hours a day.
• Make sure that the soil it grows in has good drainage capacity.
• Water it deeply in its initial days.
• Keep adding dedicated fertilizers frequently to maximize the blooms.
• Prune it regularly for dense growth.

2. How to Overwinter Bougainvillea?

Just before frost starts to settle, prune your bougainvillea vines to a manageable size, put them in a container/ planter, and bring them indoors. The best place to keep it is in your garage, as basements don’t usually receive sunlight. Don’t water it too frequently, or add fertilizers throughout the winter season.

3. How to Grow Bougainvillea in a Pot?

First, choose a pot/ planter that has an excellent drainage system. Next, use a well-draining potting mix as these plants prefer to be slightly root-bound. Place the pot in a spot where it will receive direct sunlight, and you are done!

4. How to Prune a Bougainvillea Plant?

The best time to prune a bougainvillea plant is during late winter or early spring. All along the blooming season, you have to prune it just the right way so that it encourages new growth. Also, remember to wear gloves as the thorny branches might hurt you!

5. Is Bougainvillea Toxic to Pets?

Bougainvillea is not severely toxic to pets. However, if ingested, the sap might cause your cat or dog to vomit and might also induce skin irritation. What’s dangerous are the sharp thorns, which can injure your beloved furry friend!

Alex Barton

As a lifelong DIY enthusiast, Alex Barton is never afraid to go the extra mile to save a few bucks! From seamless interior decor hacks to effective DIY home renovation tips, he shares a myriad of his experiences for you to unleash your creativity.