Feeding & Pruning Bougainvillea

Soil

• Starting with nutrient-rich soil is the best way to keep your bougainvillea well fed throughout the growing season. When planting in containers, use a mixture that drains well such as an equal ratio of peat and perlite. Avoid using too much perlite, as it will cause roots to rot. Another recipe Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommends is 4 parts rotted pine bark, 3 parts peat moss and 2 parts perlite.

Slow Release Fertilizer

• Because bougainvillea is a heavy feeder, controlled-release fertilizers are a good choice for consistent fertilizing. Add a top dressing of granular, balanced fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, in spring and again halfway through summer, using 1/2 pound per 100 square feet. Rake it into the soil around the plant and water as usual afterwards. If you fertilize each time you water, use a water-soluble fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon of fertilizer per gallon of water. Always read the label as application rates and instructions vary by brand.

Liquid Fertilizer

• Using balanced liquid fertilizer, such as 20-20-20 or 15-5-15, to supplement slow-release fertilizer can help plants stay in bloom longer. Apply liquid fertilizer once a week at a rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. If you notice your bougainvillea is growing plenty of leaves but is not blooming, this is a sign you are over-fertilizing. Double-check the instructions on the label and reduce how often you feed the bougainvillea.

Pruning

• Pruning is crucial for bougainvillea, but its spines are sharp, so wear gloves and long sleeves. If left unpruned, the vines become tangled, making the plant susceptible to insects and disease. To prune, wait until after the plant has flowered in early spring. Use pruning shears to cut back lateral shoots to just two or three buds. This will encourage the growth of new flowers. Also remove any growth that appears weak or twiggy, along with any dead wood. Check the base of the plant for small shoots, known as suckers, and remove them. This will encourage more growth at the top of the plant. To add more flair to your bed, training bougainvillea on arbors, braiding their trunks or twisting vines into shapes are possible.