How to Grow Bougainvillea Around a Mailbox

Enrich the soil near the base of your mailbox with organic compost. Pour 1 to 2 gallon pots full of compost onto the soil surface and dig it in to a depth equal to twice the depth of the nursery pot in which you purchased your bougainvillea.

Dig a planting hole in the center of your prepared soil. Remove your bougainvillea from its nursery pot and set it into the hole. Fill the hole with additional soil and compost and pat it down lightly around the base of the plant.

Tie your bougainvillea to the support pole of your mailbox when it begins to produce vines. Use plastic nursery tape for the best results.

Water your bougainvillea sparingly: allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, you might not need to irrigate.

Fertilize every time you water with a half-strength dilution of balanced plant food, such as one with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20. Follow product instructions for correct mixing and application.

Prune your bougainvillea to maintain a compact shape and to prevent it from completely covering your mailbox. Wear leather gloves to protect your hands from the thorns. Bougainvilleas respond well to heavy pruning and will bloom successfully on branches that are 2 to 3 feet long.