I first saw Bougainvillea flowers in San Diego lining the facades of a long street. It was more than a decade ago, but the big bold jeweled tones in bright sunlight were never forgotten. Now, I stand before the long canes of red Bougainvillea draping over my own wall, a splash of color seen by motorists driving by.
Unfortunately, found hidden behind the wall were twisted mangles of dead bleached-out stems with wicked thorns laid bare, the spindly living branches were a tangled mixture of big and undersized blooms bobbing. From one end to the other, the in-ground bed has been filled with one type of plant. As tough as Bougainvillea are, it was clear the plants had little or no care in many years.
Thinning Out Bougainvillea Shrubs by Pruning
Routine pruning keeps plants to a manageable size and shape in proportion to the landscape the shrubs are growing. By following a maintenance plant care plan, gardeners also build in opportunities to assess potential issues otherwise missed in their garden.
Bougainvillea produce flowers on previous or current year’s growth every year. Cut back canes in late winter or early spring, a good measure is to cut back to three or four buds from the main stem. A shrub allowed to go unmanaged over several years will benefit from thinning out. After each of the following steps, stand back and look at the overall form the shrub is taking:
- Remove all dead and broken branches by cutting back to a main branch.
- Remove branches to thin an overcrowded bush; cut back to the base canes rubbing together and take out spindly weak looking stems.
- Cut branches to shorten unyielding stems. Choose a point just above a bud or lateral branch to make the cut.
Shrubs, even Bougainvillea, do not benefit from haircuts. Whether at the hands of an overzealous landscaper or hurried gardener armed with an electric shears, shrubs lopped off in a straight line will only grow above the cut, giving the plant an unhealthy, unattractive and unnatural appearance.
Woody Perennial Tropical Vine a Low Desert Favorite
Bougainvillea is a tender evergreen perennial that will thrive outside all year where frost and freezing temperatures do not occur. Mediterranean landscapes in low deserts and valleys and, for example, found along the southwestern coast line of the United States, are prime locations. However, it is a native plant of South America in countries like Brazil and Peru.
The woody vine created by upright branches eventually becoming arching canes may develop into a multi-mounding or vertical trailer. The climber is made for soil that drains well and will thrive in the full sun of a desert landscape.
The branches end in highly prized colorful clusters, the flower is a tiny cream-colored tube nestled against three papery bracts. From a distance, the mass of blooms make an impressive display. The leaves are ovate, a heart-shaped form ending in a sharp point.
Like climbing roses, the canes of Bougainvillea do have serious thorns gardeners should guard against touching with bare hands. Unlike roses, the tender perennials must be moved indoors to preserve them from harsh winters.
Making More Plants by Saving Plants or Stems
In cold regions, the tropical Bougainvillea can be protected by growing them in containers and moving them indoors over winter. Each plant should be cut back to the soil and watered just enough to keep them alive. After the last spring frost, when climbers are placed back outside increase watering and fertilizing.
Woody plants like Bougainvillea can be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings. The first summer after transplanting the cuttings, water plants deeply. After the first year, allow plants to dry out between watering.
Bougainvillea are Mediterranean styled plants that withstand drought conditions, an essential feature for employing water-wise planting strategies. The beautiful bobbing flowers create motion in the garden and distract from the thorns running up and down the long canes.
Sources:
Bougainvillea Growers International
Permission received for all photos published in this article.
Chris Eirschele - Chris writes on plants grown and gardens explored; she is a member of the Garden Writers Association.
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