Bewildered Greeny
While taking the Dogs for a Walk
The inspiration to take a cutting from a bougainvillea came from a usual path that I will take to walk my dogs. At first when I had seen this plant and its unique leaves I decided that it would go great in my collection. Being another eye catching plant I of course had to have it!
They are thorny, woody vines growing anywhere from 1-12 meters tall, scrambling over other plants with their hooked thorns and are sometimes referred to as "paper flower" because the blooms are thin and papery. The sap of the Bougainvillea can cause skin rashes similar to poison oak/ivy. So, when working with this plant (e.g., pruning), caution should be exercised to avoid skin contact with the sap (and thorns).
They are thorny, woody vines growing anywhere from 1-12 meters tall, scrambling over other plants with their hooked thorns and are sometimes referred to as "paper flower" because the blooms are thin and papery. The sap of the Bougainvillea can cause skin rashes similar to poison oak/ivy. So, when working with this plant (e.g., pruning), caution should be exercised to avoid skin contact with the sap (and thorns).
Plant Care
Culture
Likes rich loamy, well-drained soils but is tolerant and adapts to many soil types. Give light feedings three times a year. The bougainvilleas are salt tolerant with some protection behind the dune line. When grown in containers, keep the roots crowded for best flowering. In winter let container grown plants rest by reducing water and withholding fertilizer.
Light: Bright sunny conditions are best.
Moisture: Normal watering. If blossoming stops, let soil dry out to force more flowers. Tolerates short periods of drought.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 - 11. Count on frost cutting them to the ground. They should return in spring if well mulched and on the dryish side.
Propagation: By cuttings in summer.
Likes rich loamy, well-drained soils but is tolerant and adapts to many soil types. Give light feedings three times a year. The bougainvilleas are salt tolerant with some protection behind the dune line. When grown in containers, keep the roots crowded for best flowering. In winter let container grown plants rest by reducing water and withholding fertilizer.
Light: Bright sunny conditions are best.
Moisture: Normal watering. If blossoming stops, let soil dry out to force more flowers. Tolerates short periods of drought.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 - 11. Count on frost cutting them to the ground. They should return in spring if well mulched and on the dryish side.
Propagation: By cuttings in summer.
