How to Cut Back a Bougainvillea Bush

Bougainvilleas are perennial vines that can be trained to be a shrub. These ornamental evergreen to semi-evergreen plants bloom throughout the growing season. Gardeners may cut back their bougainvillea bushes at anytime without worrying about decreasing blooms, because every bloom cycle is followed by a short rest period where blooms are not being produced. When cutting back bougainvillea bushes, it is important to make pinch stems for dense growth. Removing unhealthy parts of the plant helps the bougainvillea produce healthy blooms.

Bypass shears

Instructions

- 1
  Remove 1/3 to 3/4 of the length of any stem that is growing outside of the designated planting location. Make cuts right below a healthy growing bud at a 45-degree downward angle.
- 2
  Cut off any portions of the plant that appear diseased or damaged. Signs that a bougainvillea bush has a diseased area include leaf discoloration, fungal growth or leaf spots. Clean bypass shears with a mixture of 70 percent denatured alcohol and 30 percent water in between cuts to prevent spreading any diseases.
- 3
  Prune off dead stems or parts of the plant that are not producing any blossoms. Dead stems look discolored or brown.
- 4
  Pinch off tips of stems to encourage two to three new shoots. Encouraging new shoots on the bougainvillea bush creates a dense plant with bright blossoms.
- 5
  Clean up the debris underneath the bougainvillea plant. Plant debris presents a hospitable environment for diseases and pests. Place any portions of the plant not infected with a disease in the compost or throw away.

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