How to Repair Bark Damage to a Bougainvillea

Bougainvilleas are tropical plants prized for their showy, numerous flowers. Depending on the species, Bougainvillea can be grown as a climbing vine, shrub or even trained on one leader to grow as a small tree. Although generally a hardy plant, the thin bark is easily damaged by insects, gardening tools or during storms. Small wounds are difficult to repair, especially those on slender stems near the ground or those caused by tiny insects. Large trunk wounds, however -- such as those caused by gardening tools -- can be easily repaired.

Sharp knife or blade

Instructions

- 1
  Scratch a small bit of bark away with your fingernail. Do this several inches above or below the area with the damaged bark. If the wood underneath the bark is green, your bougainvillea is still alive and the wound can be repaired. If not, your plant is probably beyond saving.
- 2
  Cut around the damaged bark, removing all broken bark and leaving only healthy, living wood. Cut in the shape of an oval or circle. This helps moisture and nutrients cover the entire area, according to North Carolina State University's website.
- 3
  Prune your bougainvillea. Cut it back by a third. Normally, the best time to prune is after the first flush of flowers, but if you have not pruned it yet, do it directly after repairing the bark. These plants thrive when heavily pruned, and especially when they have damaged bark. In fact, all plants that suffer from wounds in the bark do best when pruned, as this directs energy to the healing bark.
- 4
  Water the plant thoroughly, and then fertilize it with organic fertilizer that has a nutrient ratio of 2:1:2 or 1:1:1. The numbers represent nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, and will be apparent on the front of the bag. Follow the directions for application according to the age and size of your bougainvillea.

How to Remove Caragana

How to Cut a Boxwood Into a Spiral

Shrubs