How to Espalier a Bougainvillea

Select a site for the bougainvillea. This plant prefers full sun or light shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soils. It can tolerate hot and dry conditions but will flower best with regular watering. Espalier plants tend to perform best on east- or south-facing walls. If winder injury is a potential problem, a south- or west-facing wall may provide a slightly warmer microclimate.

Plant the bougainvillea. It should be placed in the ground at the same depth that it was in the container or at the nursery and about 6 to 10 inches away from the wall to allow for root growth and air circulation.

Create a frame for the bougainvillea. This could include mounting U-bolts or eye bolts in a wall with a 12- or 15-gauge wire strung between bolts. Alternatively, build or install a wooden trellis about 6 inches in front of the wall. The wires or wooden pieces should reflect the planned espalier shape, as the plant will be trained to grow along the wire or wood.

Prune the bougainvillea at the time of planting. At this time, only remove damaged or dead branches. Wait until the bougainvillea has become established to perform vigorous pruning.

Prune the bougainvillea most heavily following the blooming period. Remove any branches that do not fit the espalier plant. Cut off any buds that are not growing in the direction of desired growth.

Move branches and tie them into place on the wire or trellis using soft strings, plant ties or similar material. This should be done gradually over a period of time each spring and summer while young branches are pliable and easy to manipulate.

Check the ties every few months and loosen any that are restricting growth or damaging the plant. Remove ties where the form has become well established.

Perform a minor pruning each month to remove any stray branches or twigs that are growing out of the pattern or correct plane of growth.