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Bougainvillea

Babette_Rathbun's picture

Bougainvillea (post #13773)

Babette_Rathbun on Sat, 07/31/1999 - 23:42
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Does anyone know how to make a bougainvillea bloom? I have heard to withhold fertilizer and water minimally, but that hasn't worked for me. Here in the South I take it in every winter. When I take it outside in the spring it grows beautifully, but it won't bloom. Thanks for any suggestions.

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clancey_mitchell's picture

(post #13773, reply #1 of 3)

by clancey_mitchell in reply to Babette_Rathbun [original] on Sat, 07/31/1999 - 22:34

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I got a gorgeous bougainvillea this year and I found out a lot I did not know. The one important secret: blooming is best when the plant is under stress! Let it dry out. Let the leaves look wilted (not dead). Then water well. Likes to be fed when watered.

Likes full sun and warm temps.
I am in zone 6 (w NJ) and I will probably take mine inside to a south window area in mid-late sept. Does not like night temps below 55. Hope this helps. Let me know if it blooms.

Patricia_Bird's picture

(post #13773, reply #2 of 3)

by Patricia_Bird in reply to Anonymous [original] on Sat, 07/31/1999 - 23:42

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I have a magnificent orange which changes to pink
bougainvillea. Had it is the ground for a couple
of years - NO BLOOMS! It is in South Florida, so
I never water it. Treated it nasty, to no avail.
Asked at many nurseries for advice. Was told it
was because it was in partial shade, which did not
explain why my red one did not bloom either. Went
to a horticultural exhibit at the local Extension
Service, and found a nursery that had fertilizer
especially for bougainvillea. Next season people
stopped their cars to ask about it and marvel.
Suggest you contact the Palm Beach County
Extension Service, Military Trail, West Palm Beach
, Florida 334

Phaedra's picture

(post #13773, reply #3 of 3)

by Phaedra in reply to Anonymous [original] on Thu, 08/09/2007 - 16:56

Hi Patricia - I want this magical fertilizer!  I live in Ft. Lauderdale and have a bougainvillea that grows well, but never blooms.  I think I may be watering it too much.  I tried looking up the extension office online, but can't find their phone number.  Any chance you can tell me the name of this fertilizer?  Thanks so much!!!!